Common Name: kobus magnolia
Type: Tree
Family: Magnoliaceae
Native Range: Japan
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 25.00 to 30.00 feet
Spread: 25.00 to 35.00 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Hedge, Flowering Tree
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Leaf: Fragrant
Culture
Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Generally intolerant of soil extremes (dry or wet). Intolerant of most urban pollutants. Best sited in a location protected from high winds, but generally avoid southern exposures in full sun where the buds may be induced to open too early in late winter. Among magnolias, this species is one of the earliest to bloom in spring. Propagate from cuttings.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Magnolia kobus, commonly known as Kobus magnolia, is a small to medium deciduous tree or large shrub that is native to forest areas in Japan. As a tree, it is pyramidal when young, maturing to a spreading, dense, rounded form. It typically grows slowly to as much as 25-30’ over time with a similar to slightly larger spread. It is noted for its late winter to early spring bloom of goblet-shaped to cup-shaped, fragrant, often pink-tinged, white flowers (each to 4” across) which open in March before the foliage emerges. Obovate, aromatic, dark green leaves (3-6” long) are attractive throughout the growing season but produce little fall color (mediocre yellowish-brown). Trees flower poorly when young, and may need as much as 25 years before reaching best flowering status. Red seeds form in pods (to 3” long) that split open in fall. Seeds are attractive to birds. Kobus magnolia is similar to star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) except larger.
Specific epithet comes from the Japanese word kobushi meaning fist, in reference to flower bud shape resembling a small fist.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Frost damage to flowers is a concern.
Uses
Beautiful specimen flowering tree or shrub for lawns, foundations, patios, shrub borders or woodland peripheries. May be grown as a tall informal hedge.