Magnolia 'Daybreak'

Daybreak Magnolia is a very pretty magnolia with large, multi-shade, rose-pink flowers, with ink brushed petals, with a white interior. Pale yellow stamens are at the centre of the blooms. They are fantastically large, at 10” across, and bloom in the spring. This pink Magnolia blooms later than many of the magnolias (4 weeks later than Magnolia x soulangiana). So, its flowers are unlikely to suffer frost damage in spring. A hybrid, it was bred by Dr. August Kehr (1914-2001), geneticist and plant breeder, who registered a total of 31 magnolias in his lifetime.

Magnolia 'Daybreak' has a most unusual columnar shape, and reaches up to 25 feet tall and 10 feet wide at maturity. Wavy-margined leaves follow the blooms. An award-winning Magnolia, Daybreak holds a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, and a Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal.

Daybreak Magnolia appreciates a location protected from strong winds, but avoid southern exposures, which may promote premature bud opening in spring. Requires little pruning. Prune when in full leaf after flowers are gone.

Excellent specimen or accent for sunny areas in the landscape where spring flowers can be appreciated. This columnar Magnola is a perfect fit for smaller gardens, and narrower spaces. Makes a lovely, small shade tree.