Outstanding color and form, the flowers of Magnolia Felix are a wonderful deep ‘lipstick pink’ (see picture right’ and make a dramatic appearance before the foliage in spring.
From the renowned magnolia breeder Felix and Mark Jury one of the newer introductions is Magnolia Felix. This is a deciduous magnolia with large flowers that reach over 12 inches (30cm) across.
Outstanding color and form, the flowers of Magnolia Felix are a wonderful deep ‘lipstick pink’ (see picture right’ and make a dramatic appearance before the foliage in spring.
The tree itself has a nice natural upright habit and ‘Magnolia Felix’ makes excellent specimen in any garden. Foliage is large and a nice green through simmer. How big will this one grow ? Depending on soil conditions and climate between 15ft – 18ft tall (5-6m). But this is not a fast growing plant.
Care
Best suited to an open garden situation where the full beauty of the flowers can be appreciated Magnolia Felix could also be at home in a large container. A humus rich moist but well drained soil is essential for good growth.
Full sun with some protection from strong winds and hot midday sun is the best for position. Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser. Mulch to retain moisture an a cool soil.
Pruning is minimal and really limited to removal of any damaged branches.
Fertilizer
Well rotted compost and manure as a mulch in addition to a general purpose fertiliser applied in spring should be adequate in most areas for ‘Felix’ Magnolia.
Pruning
Deciduous magnolias such as Magnolia felix do not require regular pruning. They are best left to a natural growth habit. However as the trees get older, and taller, the flowers are held higher up. So some gardeners can’t resist pruning.
If you must prune, do it immediately after flowering. You will lose flowering for a few years if you prune hard, so if you want a lower growing tree, prune to maintain shape, a little at a time each year.
Zone
Best suited to USDA zones 5 – 9.
