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Publication #FPS-364

Magnolia x 'Elizabeth' Elizabeth Magnolia1

Edward F. Gilman2

Introduction

Young 'Elizabeth' magnolia are distinctly upright, becoming more oval with age (Fig. 1). Blooms open in late winter in the southern part of its range to early spring in the northern part of its range before the leaves emerge. Flowers are large and yellow, creating a spectacular flower display. Even young trees can develop a beautiful flower display. However, a late frost can often ruin the flowers in all areas where it is grown.

General Information

Scientific name: Magnolia x 'Elizabeth'
Pronunciation: mag-NO-lee-uh
Common name(s): 'Elizabeth' magnolia
Family: Magnoliaceae
Figure 1. 

'Elizabeth' magnolia
Plant type: tree
USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 8 (Fig. 2)
Figure 2. 

Shaded area represents potential planting range.

Planting month for zone 7: year round
Planting month for zone 8: year round
Origin: not native to North America
Uses: near a deck or patio
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 20 to 35 feet
Spread: 18 to 25 feet
Plant habit: pyramidal; round
Plant density: open
Growth rate: moderate
Texture: coarse

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: undulate
Leaf shape: obovate
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: deciduous
Leaf blade length: 4 to 8 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: yellow
Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: yellow
Flower characteristic: spring flowering; pleasant fragrance

Fruit

Fruit shape: unknown
Fruit length: unknown
Fruit cover: dry or hard
Fruit color: red
Fruit characteristic: rarely fruits; attracts birds

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: no thorns; typically multi-trunked or clumping stems
Current year stem/twig color: brown
Current year stem/twig thickness: medium

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun
Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; acidic;
Drought tolerance: moderate
Soil salt tolerances: unknown
Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches

Other

Roots: usually not a problem
Winter interest: plant has winter interest due to unusual form,
nice persistent fruits, showy winter trunk, or winter flowers
Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests

Use and Management

The tree is best used as a specimen in a sunny spot where it can develop a symmetrical crown. It develops an open canopy but flowers fine in a partially shaded spot. It can be pruned up if planted close to a walk or patio to allow for pedestrian clearance but probably looks its best when branches are left to droop to the ground. The light gray bark shows off nicely, particularly during the winter when the tree is bare.
Transplant balled and burlapped plants in the spring, just before growth begins, or containerized plants. Pruning wounds may not close well, so train plants early in their lives to develop the desired form to avoid large pruning wounds.

Pests and Diseases

It is generally pest free, but scales of various types may infest twigs and foliage. Magnolia may be subject to leaf spots. Canker diseases will kill entire branches.

Footnotes

1.

This document is FPS-364, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date October 1999. Revised May 2007. Reviewed June 2011. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.