Gardeners looking for a red magnolia usually end up with a deep purple-red. Nothing in the family is truly scarlet, and the nearest colours come from forms of Magnolia liliiflora and its hybrids, whose petals are a rich claret outside and lighter within. Saying so plainly saves disappointment.
Dark ones to look for
- Magnolia liliiflora, the lily magnolia, is a compact shrub with purple-red goblets.
- Hybrids of liliiflora with other species, sold as 'Nigra', 'Black Tulip' or 'Vulcan' in many nurseries, have deeper colour and bigger flowers. Check labels at the plant shop for the exact parentage.
- Pink-red soulangeana types such as 'Lennei' give a darker display.
Growing a dark magnolia
These magnolias flower a little later than whites, from around September, which often helps them miss the worst frosts. They prefer full sun to part shade, rich soil and regular water. A position against a pale wall makes the colour stand out. Expect a shrub or small tree of 3 to 5 metres.
Language of the flower
Flower folklore ties magnolia to dignity and a stubborn kind of endurance, and the deep colour adds drama to a spring garden.
Animals and dark magnolias
The ASPCA lists southern magnolia as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Large mouthfuls of any plant can still upset an animal's stomach, so ask your vet if you are worried.
