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. 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.
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 F 1 hybrids and reported to be sterile triploid selections. These plants were selected and named by William F. Kosar. 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.