magnolia are an ancient group of trees that evolve before bees appeared , so the flowers are pollinate by mallet and have a chummy , solid grain to protect them from damage by their pollinators . Usually white , pinkish or purple , the flowers are tumid and showy , making these trees some of the best for creating focal points in the garden . Many species of Magnolia are well accommodate to Western Washington , but not the evergreen Magnolia grandiflora of southerly states .
Saucer Magnolia
One of the most popular small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for garden in Western Washington is the saucer magnolia , M. soulangeana . It is actually a hybrid of two Formosan coinage , M. liliflora and M. denudata . The seedlings ' bloom may see quite different from the parent plant .
There are many named varieties from which to choose with upward - face up cup - like flowers of white , pale to benighted - pink or purplish , about 8 inches blanket , appearing before the foliage in former spring . The leaves are lightheaded green , oval , 6 inches or more in length . It will eventually reach 25 feet in elevation but may be pruned lower .
The saucer magnolia prefers rich grime with steady watering but will not tolerate constantly pie-eyed background . It is passably shade tolerant and is strikingly beautiful when seen against dark evergreens .
Star Magnolia
The star magnolia , M. stellata , is a shrubby industrial plant , about 10 feet eminent and twice as wide , with medium - sized leaves and 3 to 5 in blanket flowers . These have narrow , blanched - to - pink , shoulder strap - shaped petals . The flower look in tardy winter , before the leaves , and are particularly effectual at the entry to a home where they can be admire during gray days . Some varieties are fragrant .
This shrub opt rich , moist grime and grows well in partial shade . It add a nice texture to the garden even when out of efflorescence . Its drop color is yellow .
Magnolia campbellii
This is a large tree , maturate up to 80 feet in peak . It is stunning when covered with the 10 inch wide of the mark rose - colored blossoms . It is native to sheltered valleys of the Himalayas and southwestern China . Though not as fearless as the magnolia name above , it does well in Western Washington .
M. campbellii flowers very early and is best planted among firs or other evergreen to protect it from strong breaking wind and weighty frosts . It needs a bass , fat , evenly moist grime .
To see it in bloom , aim through the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle in March and look for the immense peak among the firs .
