Tree Magnolia × loebneri 'Leonard Messel' [Leonard Messel Loebner Magnolia] 'Leonard Messel' is a small, rounded, vigorous tree that produces large, fragrant, purple-pink flowers in early spring. Although this cultivar has more frost-resistant flower buds, it is still wise to plant this tree in a protected location to prevent spring frosts from damaging the flowers.
Tree Magnolia × soulangeana [Saucer Magnolia] Many of the showiest magnolia cultivars belong to this species. One of the most common flowering trees in the Midwest, it is apparently well-adapted. Its very early spring flowers can be killed by late frost; they turn brown and limp. Can be troubled by magnolia scale, but this can be kept under control by timely spraying. Fleshy roots with few laterals. Does not transplant well so best to buy container grown plants.
Tree Magnolia × soulangeana 'Purple Prince' [Purple Prince Saucer Magnolia] The Saucer Magnolia is one of the most common flowering trees in the Midwest, and is apparently well-adapted. 'Purple Prince' is known for its large, cup-like flowers with deep pinkish-purple tepals that are nearly white on the inside. Its very early spring flowers can be killed by late frost; they turn brown and limp. Can be troubled by magnolia scale, but this can be kept under control by timely spraying. Fleshy roots with few laterals.…
Shrub/Tree Magnolia stellata [Star Magnolia] Handsome specimen at all seasons. Needs at least some protection from strong wind in Zones 4 and 5. Somewhat prone to breakage in severe ice storms. Early blooming flowers often destroyed by late spring frosts.
Shrub/Tree Magnolia stellata 'Centennial' [Centennial Star Magnolia] 'Centennial' is an excellent, vigorous Magnolia stellata cultivar with large (5.5" across), pink-blushed white flowers with numerous tepals. This plant was released by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in 1972 to commemorate its 100th anniversary. Handsome specimen at all seasons. Needs at least some protection from strong wind in Zones 4 and 5. Somewhat prone to breakage in severe ice storms. Early blooming flowers often destroyed by late spring frosts.
Tree Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' [Royal Star Magnolia] Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' is a small flowering tree that has a more rounded habit than the straight M. stellata, with its flower buds pink that open to 12-18 white tepals. Flowers are fragrant and reach 3 to 4" in diameter. Flowers appear early spring, but can be damaged by spring frosts. Needs protection from strong winds, as it has been known to be weak-branched.
Shrub/Tree Magnolia virginiana [Sweetbay Magnolia] Nice flower fragrance, but never overwhelming. Does well in wet soils, unlike other magnolias. Requires acid soil, some moisture, and tolerates some shade. Chlorosis can sometimes be a problem, especially prevalent on alkaline soils.
Tree Malus × [Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. There are hundreds of types of crabapples available, and more being cultivated every day. Flowers can range from white to pink to purple to red and are followed by small pome fruits (crabapples) that can be red, yellow, orange, purple, or green. Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun…
Tree Malus × 'Adirondack' [Adirondack Flowering Crabapple] The Flowering Crabapple is a popular small ornamental tree with an extremely showy flower display in the spring. This variant has a vase-shaped (somewhat columnar) habit, extremely upright branching, and high resistance to apple scab, fireblight, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew. Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years. Well-drained heavy loam soils and full sun promote best growth.
Tree Malus × 'Almey' [Almey Flowering Crabapple] 'Almey' is from the Rosybloom series and decades ago was once a popular Flowering Crabapple for its showy flower display in the spring. However, the use of 'Almey' is now discouraged, due to its high susceptibility to a number of pests and diseases that affect crabapples, such as fireblight, Japanese beetles, leaf spot, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew, but especially apple scab. Tends to flower and fruit in alternate years. Well-drained heavy loam soils and…
