MAGNOLIA ‘Judy Zuk’

Description

The Plant

MAGNOLIA ‘Judy Zuk’ can be considered one of the most spectacular yellow-flowered magnolias. It stands out not only for its colors but also for its multi-sensory experience.

Indeed, many yellow-flowered magnolias show very pale tones, sometimes even cream. In contrast, the flowers of this magnolia have an intense golden yellow. What makes them even more special are the shades of mauve, apricot, and deep pink at the base of the petals.

In addition, the flowers release a fragrance different from that of other magnolias (often reminiscent of lemon and vanilla). They are distinguished by a fruity and spicy fragrance. This is one of the most fragrant magnolias.

Then, its shape is just as special. As you can see in the photo on our website, this magnolia grows in a particularly upright form. Therefore, it requires very limited ground space and makes it singularly interesting for small gardens or confined spaces.

To top it all off, the M. ‘Judy Zuk’ blooms much later than other magnolias. This protects its flowering from late frosts.

History and Origin

The MAGNOLIA ‘Judy Zuk’ was hybridized at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) and named in honor of Judy Zuk, the former president of the garden and director of the Scott Arboretum. Her peers recognized her as a titan in the world of horticulture. Moreover, she had a particular fondness for magnolias.

In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden had a magnolia hybridization program that began in 1953 and ended in 1991. The crosses were carried out at one of its branches, the Kitchawan Research Center.

Thus, the BBG contributed to the development of eight hybrids still marketed today. Among these hybrids are MAGNOLIA ‘Elizabeth’, MAGNOLIA ‘Yellow Bird’, MAGNOLIA ‘Lois’ and the MAGNOLIA ‘Black Beauty’ to name just a few.

Finally, the M. ‘Judy Zuk’ is a cross of M. acuminata, M. liliiflora and M. stellata.

How to plant and care for MAGNOLIA ‘Judy Zuk’?

Planting

This magnolia is a resilient plant. To give it the best chance of success, consider the following:

1. Find it a place in full sun or partial shade. However, to encourage its flowering, prefer full sun.
2. The location can be cool to moist, moderately moist, or dry.
3. It tolerates light or normal soil with an acidic or neutral pH.
4. For good preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

Care

As with any newly planted plant, follow regular watering for the first two years and especially during dry periods. Also, read our tips on how to water well and save water here.

If you want to prune this magnolia, do it in March before the new growth. Remember to apply a sealant of type Lac Balsam to the pruning wounds once they are dry.