Purple Magnolia

Purple Magnolia seeds, often arriving as part of a woody cone-like fruit, are the gateway to a more compact and shrubby garden feature. Unlike the towering white Yulan, the Purple Magnolia grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or a very small tree, making it much more versatile for modern gardens. The seeds are smaller than those of the white variety but require the same vigorous cleaning process. You must remove the fleshy orange or red outer skin immediately upon receipt. If the skin is allowed to dry onto the seed, it becomes much harder to remove and significantly lowers the germination rate. After cleaning, the seeds should be soaked in room temperature water for 24 hours. Seeds that float are usually hollow and should be discarded to save space.

The cold stratification for Purple Magnolia is slightly shorter than the white variety, usually requiring about 90 to 100 days in the refrigerator. The germination rate is often slightly higher, reaching up to 60 percent if the seeds are fresh. When you are ready to plant in the spring, use a seed-starting mix that contains a high percentage of organic matter. Purple Magnolias have fleshy roots that need to breathe, so avoid heavy, clay-based soils. Plant them about a quarter-inch deep and keep them in a warm, humid environment. A heating mat under the seed tray can help speed up the emergence of the first green shoots.

Because of its shrubby, multi-stemmed growth habit, the Purple Magnolia is an excellent candidate for long-term container gardening. It can live in a large, 15-gallon pot for many years if it is pruned regularly and fed with an acidic fertilizer. In a garden landscape, this plant is perfect for small residential yards or as part of a mixed flowering hedge. Because the flowers are a deep, rich purple on the outside and a pale pink on the inside, they create a beautiful "bi-color" effect. They pair wonderfully with yellow spring flowers like Forsythia or late-blooming Daffodils. The contrast between the deep purple Lily Magnolia and bright yellow blooms creates one of the most vibrant color palettes possible in the early spring garden.