Magnolia dawsoniana

Dawson's magnolia

Magnoliaceae

SW China (Sichuan; montane forests; 6500-8500 ft / 2000-2600 m; introduced by E.H. Wilson 1908)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Fragrant (light)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 7–9

Overview

Magnolia dawsoniana is a medium to large, deciduous tree reaching 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m) tall in cultivation with a spread of 20–30 feet (6–9 m) and a broadly spreading, often multi-stemmed crown. Native to Sichuan, China, this species is one of the earliest-blooming large-flowered magnolias, flowering on bare branches in February–March. The flowers are 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) across with 9–12 tepals that are pale pink to rose-pink on the exterior and white to pale pink within; the tepals hang loosely and somewhat pendulously rather than forming an upright cup. The alternate, obovate leaves are 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) long, dark green, leathery, appearing after the flowers. The bark is smooth and gray-brown. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 7. Like M. campbellii, seed-grown trees require a long juvenile period of 15–25 years before flowering; grafted plants bloom at 8–12 years. The very early bloom is highly susceptible to late frost damage.

Native Range

Magnolia dawsoniana is native to southwestern China—Sichuan Province—in montane forests at 6,500–8,500 feet (2,000–2,600 m) elevation. It was introduced to Western cultivation by E.H. Wilson in 1908.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks at 25–30 foot (7.5–9 m) spacing. Requires a sheltered, frost-free position for the February–March bloom. The long juvenile period from seed (15–25 years) and the frost sensitivity of flowers limit its reliability in climates with variable late winters. Not suitable for small gardens, frost pockets, cold inland valleys, or exposed windswept positions. Restricted to mild, maritime climates in North America.

How to Identify

Distinguished from M. campbellii by the smaller overall tree size (25–40 feet versus 40–60 feet), the paler pink flower color, and the more pendulous, loosely held tepals (versus the upright goblet or cup-and-saucer form). Distinguished from M. sprengeri by the more pendulous tepal arrangement and the paler pink coloring. Distinguished from M. denudata by the pink (versus pure white) flowers and the earlier February–March (versus March–April) bloom. The medium tree with large, loosely pendant, pale rose-pink flowers on bare branches in late winter is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 40'

Width/Spread20' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowers 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) across with 9–12 loosely pendant tepals, pale pink to rose-pink exterior and white to pale pink interior, on bare branches in February–March. One of the earliest large-flowered magnolias to bloom. Bloom duration is 2–3 weeks. Highly susceptible to late frost damage. Seed-grown trees take 15–25 years to first flower; grafted plants bloom at 8–12 years.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale pink to rose-pink exterior, white to pale pink interior; 6-10 inches; 9-12 loosely pendant tepals; Feb-Mar on bare branches

Foliage Description

Dark green, leathery; alternate obovate 4-7 inches; appearing after flowers

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam silt

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-25 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, rich, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Hardy to zone 7. Requires a sheltered position protected from late frosts and cold winds—the very early bloom is extremely frost-sensitive. Mulch the root zone deeply. Transplant balled-and-burlapped in spring. No significant pest or disease problems. The long juvenile period from seed (15–25 years) requires patience.

Pruning

Prune in late spring after flowering if needed. Established trees need minimal pruning. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches. Can be trained as a single-trunk or multi-stemmed specimen. Avoid heavy pruning.

Pruning Schedule

late spring