Magnolia liliiflora

Magnolia liliiflora is a small tree native to southwest China (in Sichuan and Yunnan), but cultivated for centuries elsewhere in China and also Japan. 

Variously known by many names, including Mulan magnolia, purple magnolia, red magnolia, lily magnolia, tulip magnolia and woody-orchid, it was first introduced to English-speaking countries from cultivated Japanese origins, and is thus also sometimes called Japanese magnolia, though it is not native to Japan. It is now also planted as an ornamental in North America and Europe, though rather less often than its popular hybrid (see below). It is a deciduous shrub, exceptionally a small tree, to 4m tall (smaller than most other magnolias), and blooms profusely in early spring with large pink to purple showy flowers, before the leaf buds open. The cultivar 'Nigra', with flowers much deeper in colour than the species, has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2] It prefers an acid or neutral soil, in full sun or light shade. This species is one of the parents of the popular hybrid saucer magnolia, M. × soulangeana, the other parent being the Yulan magnolia, M. denudata. The lily magnolia is best grown in organically rich, neutral to slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It appreciates a root-zone mulch to help retain soil moisture. It also appreciates a location protected from strong winds, but avoid warm southern exposures which may promote premature bud opening in spring.  The fleshy root system is easily damaged during transplanting, so it is best to select a landscape location carefully and leave this magnolia undisturbed once planted. 

Prune as needed immediately after flowering.  It usually requires little pruning other than the removal of dead or damaged branches. Its bark is light gray to brown. ‘Susan’ is a cross between M. liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and M. stellata ‘Rosea’. It is part of the Little Girl series (‘Ann’, ‘Betty’, ‘Jane’, ‘Judy’, ‘Pinkie’, ‘Randy’, ‘Ricki’ and ‘Susan’) of hybrid magnolias that were developed at the National Arboretum in the mid-1950s by Francis DeVos and William Kosar. Plants in this series flower about 2-4 weeks later than M. stellata and M. x soulangiana, thus reducing the risk of damage to flowers from late spring frosts. ‘Susan’ is primarily noted for its compact shrubby habit, fragrant fuchsia flowers and late bloom (mid-April to early May). It is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub or small tree that typically rises over time to 8-12’ tall. Goblet-shaped flowers, each with 6 slightly twisted tepals, bloom shortly before the foliage begins to appear. Flowers (to 5” wide) are purple-red or fuchsia, with paler tones inside. Flowers may sporadically repeat bloom in mid-summer. Ovate medium green leaves (to 6” long). Leaves turn yellow-bronze in fall. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It is susceptible to powdery mildew.

Lily Magnolia Care

Plant lily magnolia shrubs in a sunny location with rich soil—this is not a plant that tolerates poor soil conditions, especially mixtures that lack nutritional value. Try to position your lily magnolia where it will be protected from strong wind and the coldest winter temperatures, but don't plant it next to your home, where the radiant artificial warmth may cause the buds to open too early in the spring.

Light

For the most blooms and the best display of flowers, plant your lily magnolia in a spot that boasts full sunlight. That said, the plant can also grow adequately in partial shade (especially in hotter locations), but it may experience a slight reduction in flowering. Ultimately, aim for at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day.

Soil

Lily magnolia plants do best when planted in moist, rich soils that are slightly acidic and well-draining. Heavy soils, or those that are nutrient deficient, should be amended with peat moss or compost before planting. You can also top the soil with a bit of mulch to help moderate soil temperatures and lock in moisture.

Water

Water your lily magnolia regularly throughout the year for its first few years. Once established, the shrub is moderately tolerant of temporary dry conditions, but you should pay close attention to it during prolonged droughts, which can end up killing the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Lily magnolia is best planted in a semi-sheltered area that is protected from strong winds and aggressively cold temperatures. It's also a good idea to avoid southern exposures, which may cause the buds to open too early in spring. Don't attempt to plan lily magnolia outside is USDA hardiness zone recommendation—even the northern part of zone five can sometimes be borderline for this plant, with spring flowers easily killed off by early cold spells.

Fertilizer

Lily magnolias do not need fertilizer when they are planted. Afterward, they benefit from a yearly spring feeding of slow-release fertilizer, applied just as the flower buds begin to develop.