Magnolia Cultivars Ann Betty Judy Randy Ricki Susan Jane Pinkie

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The U.S. National Arboretum presents eight hybrid magnolia cultivars affectionately known as ''The Girls.'' These selections offer a spectacular floral display approximately two weeks later than M. stellata and M. x soulangiana, thus decreasing the possibility of spring frost damage. The flowers are doubly delightful! They welcome spring in shades of pink to purple and later surprise you with occasional summer blooms. Plants grow as multistemmed large shrubs or small trees bearing slightly leathery leaves that stand up well to summer heat and drought. Winter reveals the plant architecture highlighted by smooth grey bark and fuzzy flower buds. In every season "The Girls'' embellish the landscape.

'Susan'
Picture of tree form of 'Susan' of 'The Girls' Magnolia Cultivars Picture of flowers from 'Susan' of 'The Girls' Magnolia Cultivars

'Ann'
Picture of flowers from 'Ann' of 'The Girls' Magnolia Cultivars Picture of tree form of 'Ann' of 'The Girls' Magnolia Cultivars

'Jane'
Picture of tree form of 'Jane' of 'The Girls' Magnolia Cultivars Picture of flowers from 'Jane' of 'The Girls' Magnolia Cultivars

'Judy'
Picture of flowers from 'Judy' of 'The Girls' Magnolia Cultivars

'The Girl Magnolias' - page 2
"The Girl Magnolias"
Botanical Name: Magnolia (liliflora 'Nigra' x stellata 'Rosea')
'Ann' (NA 28344; PI 326570)
'Betty' (NA 28348; PI 326574)
'Judy' (NA 28345; PI 326571)
'Randy' (NA 28346; PI 326572)
'Ricki' (NA 28347; PI 326573)
'Susan' (NA 28350; PI 326575)
Magnolia (liliflora 'Reflorescens' x stellata 'Waterlily')
'Jane' (NA 28349; PI 326576)
Magnolia (liliflora 'Reflorescens' x stellata 'Rosea')
'Pinkie' (NA 28351; PI 326577)
Family: Magnoliaceae
Hardiness: U.S.D.A. Zones 3 - 8
Development: ''The Girl Magnolias'' are selections resulting from controlled pollinations of Magnolia liliflora 'Nigra' by M. stellata 'Rosea'; M. liliflora 'Reflorescens' by M. stellata 'Rosea'; and M. liliflora 'Reflorescens' by M. stellata 'Waterlily'. The crosses were made at the U.S. National Arboretum in 1955 and 1956 by William F. Kosar and Dr. Francis de Vos. All are F1 hybrids and reported to be sterile triploid selections. These plants were selected and named by William F. Kosar. Released 1968.
Significance: These magnolia selections bloom two to four weeks later than M. stellata and M. x soulangiana, reducing the possibility of late spring frost damage. Plants produce flowers with a variety of tepal colors from reddish-purple to pink on white. The unexpected sporadic summer bloom adds landscape interest.
Culture: Plants grow best in full sun to light shade; prefer loam soil with adequate moisture; tolerate poorly drained, heavy clay soils or dry areas.
Propagation: Root from semi-hardwood cuttings, under mist, 4000 ppm IBA quick dip, in 8 weeks.
Landscape Use: Specimen plant or mass planting in open recreation areas, industrial parks, or in the home garden. Locate to accentuate floral display, silvery gray bark, multi-stemmed habit, and winter architecture.
Distribution: Readily available from retail and wholesale nurseries.

U.S. National Arboretum Plant Introduction
Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit
U.S. National Arboretum, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20002