The lily magnolia is a deciduous shrub that sports perfumed blossoms that can be pink or reddish-purple.It is one of the smaller species found in the Magnolia genus. This shrub has been crossed with the Yulan magnolia (Magnolia denudata) and the result is the saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana.) The dark green leaves are up to 4″ wide and 8″ long. At the end of winter/beginning of spring, you will see pink or reddish-purple buds unfurling. They have a pleasant fragrance and are up to 7″ long depending on the variety. The blossoms will continue throughout the season and some may appear in summer also. As with other magnolia species, pollination is facilitated by beetles. The result is an aggregate of dry fruits called follicles. They are purple or brown.
