Magnolia Sunspire

Magnolia 'Sunspire' is a large deciduous ornamental bush prized for its magnificent yellow flowers and unique columnar habit. This hybrid is perfect for decorating small gardens or small spaces. Its large tulip-shaped flowers, which appear late in spring, usually escape late frosts. This magnolia blooms quite young and thrives in moist, rich, well-drained soil.

Magnolia 'Sunspire' belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. This cultivar is native to the United States and was obtained in 1999 by Dr. August Kehr, a plant geneticist and breeder. It is the result of a cross between the varieties Magnolia 'Woodsman' and 'Elisabeth'. This superb cultivar was voted best yellow magnolia by members of the Magnolia Society a few years ago. This cultivar, with its columnar habit, reaches a height of 6 to 7 m and a width of 1.8 to 3.6 m if not pruned. At the age of 10, it measures about 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide. Its growth is relatively fast, depending of course on the growing conditions. The bush develops fastigiate branches, pointing towards the sky, giving it a narrow and vertical silhouette.

The deciduous leaves of the Magnolia 'Sunspire' are medium-sized and dark green. They usually appear after the first flowers and fall in autumn. The flowers, in the shape of upright tulips, are dark yellow and measure between 15 and 20 cm in diameter. The flowering of this magnolia lasts for several weeks before giving way to the foliage. This late flowering avoids damage caused by spring frosts. 'Sunspire' is hardy down to -15°C.

Magnolia 'Sunspire' makes a beautiful specimen to place alone or in groups of three to five. Thanks to its columnar growth, it fits more easily in restricted spaces. It can be used to decorate a patio, in the centre of a flower bed, or to mark the corner of the house. In summer, its foliage is lush and fresh green, but it is in spring that this small tree reveals all its splendour. It can be paired with a 'Rainbow' Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), whose magnificent variegated foliage changes colour throughout the seasons. Its large white flowers bloom before the leaves in spring, at the same time as those of the magnolia. The 'Kazan' Japanese Cherry (Prunus serrulata) will be covered with double raspberry pink flowers at the same time. In general, the large yellow tulips of this 'Sunspire' magnolia are stunning next to pink, purple, white, or red blooms.