Magnolia x kewensis 'Wada's Memory'

42.14294815, -87.78515625

42.1470871, -87.7884903

42.14709854, -87.7885437

42.1471138, -87.78845978

42.14719009, -87.78865051

42.14874268, -87.78682709

42.14883804, -87.78913879

42.15059662, -87.78848267

42.15149689, -87.79048157

Wada's Memory Magnolia

Six large white tepals with a pleasant fragrance adorn Wada's Memory magnolia hybrid in early spring. This cultivar is known for blooming at an early age when the distinctive upright growth habit of the lateral branches is most pronounced. With age the lateral branches become more horizontal in habit and the overall shape becomes mounded. The cultivar name honors noted Japanese nurseryman Koichiro Wada.

Members of the genus Magnolia are known for the stunning beauty of their usually large flowers, which emerge prior to the foliage in spring, and are often fragrant. While shades of pink are the most common bloom color, the Magnolia palette also includes white, yellows and purples. Another dominant feature is a prominent fruiting body of small follicles forming a cone-like shape. The species range from small trees to very large trees and shrubs.

Magnolias are an ancient genus that appeared before bees; early pollinators are believed to have been beetles. They are native to eastern and southeastern Asia and eastern North America, Central and South America; most are not hardy in the Chicago region. Buds and blooms of the magnolias that do thrive here are often subject to damage from cold spring nights. The genus includes of 300 species and numerous hybrids and cultivars. The Chicago Botanic Garden's collection includes almost 60 varieties of magnolia and more than 150 plants.

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Pyramidal
Exposure:
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Bloom Time:
March - April
Bloom Color:
White
Landscape Use:
Specimen Plant
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Butterflies
Plant Type:
Tree
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 8