Magnolia ‘Lyons’ is a highly regarded hybrid, captivating gardeners with its elegant form and impressive flowering display. This selection offers a refined presence in various garden settings, making it a sought-after choice for landscape enhancement. It provides unique spring and early summer interest.
Distinctive Features of Magnolia Lyons
Magnolia ‘Lyons’ is recognized for its unique aesthetic qualities, derived from its Magnolia liliiflora lineage. It typically forms a multi-stemmed, rounded shrub or small tree, generally reaching a mature height and spread of 8 to 12 feet, though some specimens can grow up to 15 to 20 feet tall. Its slow growth habit contributes to its refined appearance.
The signature feature is its large, cup-shaped or lily-shaped flowers, which emerge in early to mid-spring before the leaves fully unfurl. These showy blossoms display a striking coloration, often purplish-red or deep pink on the outer surface, contrasting with a paler white or light purple interior. Each flower consists of 6 to 9 petals (tepals) and measures approximately 3 to 5 inches in length. The blooms often carry a subtle fragrance, and sporadic reblooming can occur into the summer months. Its dark green, ovate to obovate leaves, measuring 4 to 8 inches long, provide a lush backdrop once they emerge after the primary floral display.
Successful Cultivation and Care
Cultivating Magnolia ‘Lyons’ successfully begins with providing optimal growing conditions. This magnolia thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally with morning sun and protection from intense afternoon heat in warmer climates. Sufficient light promotes more abundant flowering. The plant prefers well-draining, rich soil that is acidic to neutral in pH. Amending heavy clay or very sandy soil with organic matter like compost can significantly improve drainage and nutrient availability.
Consistent moisture is important for the establishment and ongoing health of Magnolia ‘Lyons’, especially during dry periods. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Fertilization can be beneficial, with a balanced granular fertilizer applied in early spring before new growth begins and potentially again in mid-summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage excessive foliage at the expense of flower production.
Pruning requirements for Magnolia ‘Lyons’ are minimal, typically performed immediately after the spring flowering period. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the plant’s structural integrity and appearance. While generally considered trouble-free, magnolias can occasionally encounter issues like scale insects, powdery mildew, or root rot, particularly in poorly drained soils. Ensuring proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal diseases.
Ideal Landscape Placement
Selecting the right location for Magnolia ‘Lyons’ maximizes its visual impact. Given its eventual size as a large shrub or small tree, it performs well as a specimen plant, allowing its striking spring blooms to be a focal point. Positioning it where its flowers can be admired up close, such as near a patio or main entryway, enhances the garden experience. Its rounded and spreading habit makes it a suitable choice for accent planting in a mixed border, where its early spring display can provide a burst of color when other plants are still emerging.
Considering its mature dimensions, it is advisable to plant Magnolia ‘Lyons’ away from building foundations or other structures where its root system or canopy might cause issues over time. Its deciduous nature means it provides seasonal interest, with lush green foliage during the warmer months and a bare, sculptural form in winter. The timing of its bloom, often before leaves appear, ensures the flowers are highly visible, creating a dramatic spring statement. Its relatively compact size also makes it suitable for smaller gardens.
Sourcing and Acquisition
Acquiring Magnolia ‘Lyons’ typically requires seeking reputable sources due to its specialized nature. While the parent species, Magnolia liliiflora, and some of its more common cultivars like ‘Nigra’ or ‘Jane’ are widely available at general nurseries, ‘Lyons Form’ is a more specialized cultivar and may not be routinely stocked by every garden center.
Specialized plant growers, arboretum plant sales, or online retailers focusing on unique woody plants are often the best avenues for sourcing this particular magnolia. When purchasing, it is important to inspect the plant for signs of health, such as robust foliage, absence of pests, and a well-developed, non-girdling root system. Ensure the plant is properly labeled with its botanical name, Magnolia liliiflora ‘Lyons Form’, to confirm its authenticity.