Magnolia ‘Felix Jury’ is a hybrid cultivar developed in New Zealand by Felix and Mark Jury. It is valued for its ornamental display, making it a popular specimen tree for landscapes.
Distinctive Features of Magnolia ‘Felix Jury’
Magnolia ‘Felix Jury’ is known for its large, vibrant flowers. These hot pink to rosy pink blooms can reach an impressive size, often spanning 7 to 12 inches (18-30 cm) across. The goblet or waterlily-shaped flowers with broad petals appear on bare branches in early spring before the leaves emerge.
The blooms have a strong, sweet fragrance. A mature tree can produce a significant number of flowers, with some reports indicating over 100 blooms annually. This deciduous magnolia sheds its light green foliage in the fall.
It forms an upright, pyramidal, or slender small tree, reaching a mature height of approximately 16 to 22 feet (5-7 meters) tall with a spread of 5 to 7 feet (1.5-2.1 meters). Its compact form makes it suitable for various garden settings, including smaller spaces or as an accent.
Planting and Site Selection
Magnolia ‘Felix Jury’ thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferably receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent stress. A sheltered location that offers protection from harsh winter winds is also advisable, as strong winds and late frosts can damage the early blooms.
The tree requires well-draining, moist, and enriched soil. While it can adapt to various soil types, it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, ideally between 5.6 and 7.5. If the soil is alkaline, amendments like soil sulfur or chelated iron can help increase acidity.
The best time to plant ‘Felix Jury’ is generally in the fall or early spring, allowing the tree to establish its root system before extreme temperatures. Dig a hole that is approximately 1.5 times wider than the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil surface. Backfill the hole with a mix of native soil and organic compost, gently firming it around the roots to remove air pockets. After placing the tree, water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Watering
Regular and deep watering is particularly important during the first few growing seasons to encourage the development of an extensive root system. While established trees can tolerate occasional dry periods, they will look their best with consistent moisture. It is important to maintain moist soil conditions without allowing it to become waterlogged, as constantly soggy soil can be detrimental.
Fertilizing
For newly planted trees, fertilization can aid establishment. Established ‘Felix Jury’ magnolias generally benefit from a slow-release fertilizer application once a year in early spring, before new growth begins. A balanced shrub and tree food, possibly containing iron or sulfur, or a general-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer, works well. Spread the fertilizer widely around the drip line, as magnolia roots tend to spread horizontally rather than deeply. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Magnolias generally require minimal pruning due to their naturally attractive form. Pruning should primarily focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to maintain the tree’s health and appearance. If shaping is desired or to remove crossing branches or suckers, it should be done sparingly. The best time to prune deciduous magnolias like ‘Felix Jury’ is immediately after they finish flowering in late spring to mid-summer. Pruning at this time prevents the removal of next year’s flower buds and minimizes sap bleeding.
Mulching
Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree provides multiple benefits. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth. A 2-4 inch layer of organic material, such as leaf mold or garden compost, is suitable. Ensure the mulch does not directly touch the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Frost damage to early spring blooms is a common concern, especially with unpredictable late frosts. Choosing a sheltered planting site can help mitigate this risk.
Pests that may affect magnolias include scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs. Scale insects can lead to stunted growth and sooty mold; horticultural oils are effective for management.
Magnolias can be susceptible to certain diseases. Leaf spot diseases, caused by fungi or bacteria, may appear as discolored spots on foliage; infected leaves should be removed and disposed of to prevent spread. Verticillium wilt is a more serious fungal disease causing wilting and discoloration. Maintaining overall tree health through proper watering and fertilization practices enhances the tree’s natural resistance to pests and diseases.