Magnolia kobus Isis MARACZI™ - Kobus magnolia

The Magnolia kobus Isis, known by its cultivar name 'Maráczy', is a Kobe Magnolia, a species of magnolia that tolerates limestone. Isis is characterised by a columnar habit with a semi-open crown, ideal when space is limited, and yellow-green branches, lighter than those of the species. It forms a large, fast-growing bush that bears a multitude of white star-shaped flowers from the end of winter.

The Magnolia kobus belongs to the magnolia family. It is native to Japan and can reach a height of 10m with a pyramidal and ramified habit. The 8 to 10cm diameter corollas are solitary, white, sometimes slightly pink, and bloom on naked wood in March. The stamens are yellow. Afterwards, the bush develops deciduous, alternate, narrow, ovate, often plicate leaves, medium green with a paler underside, slightly aromatic, 15 to 18cm long. Isis 'Maráczy' is a valuable selection, originating from a spontaneous seedling of Magnolia kobus, selected by Prenor nurseries in Hungary. It reaches up to 7m in height at maturity, with a spread of 1.5 to 2m, with a columnar habit and a regular to elongated ovoid crown, with a continuous main branch. While the young branches are yellow-green and lighter than those of M. kobus, the mature bark is identical to that of the species. The young shoots are bronze in colour, becoming darker green in summer. The trees bear flowers from a young age.

The Kobe Magnolia Isis appreciates a fresh, rich, well-drained soil, even limestone, in a sunny or partially shaded position, sheltered from prevailing winds. In summer, it is preferable to maintain soil moisture by applying mulch around the base. The Magnolia kobus Isis looks beautiful as a standalone plant in a small garden, but its columnar shape also allows it to be used at the back of a border surrounded by early-flowering bulbs and various heights of perennials, ensuring a spread of flowering. It can also be associated with twisted dwarf pines, an Acer palmatum, and a few Japanese Azaleas.