Jane Magnolia (Magnolia x ‘Jane’)

Bred from Magnolia liliflora ‘Reflorescens’ and M. stellate ‘Waterlily,’ magnolias ‘Jane’ is prized among cold-hardy magnolias for its late-blooming flowers. The large blossoms are reddish-purple outside and white inside, and show up in late spring, avoiding any possible frost damage. The tree itself is distinguished by its compact size, making it the perfect choice for small gardens.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Magnolias ‘Jane’ exhibits a charming, rounded shape that can mature into either a large shrub or a small tree, generally reaching up to 12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters) in height.

Magnolias ‘Jane’ leaves are 6 inches (15 cm) long and ovate in shape. They emerge with a coppery hue, transitioning to a deep green as they mature. The leaves display a bronze-yellow color in the fall, adding seasonal interest. Their texture is smooth with a noticeable vein pattern that highlights their ovate form.

Magnolias ‘Jane’ flowers are 8 inches (20 cm) wide, cup-shaped, and display a striking red-purple with white centers. These showy blooms emerge before the leaves in mid to late spring and may rebloom in summer. The petals are arranged in a manner that enhances their eye-catching appearance, making them a notable element in any garden. Their pronounced size and vivid color make them easy to identify and admire.

The fruit of magnolias ‘Jane’ is a visually striking aggregate structure composed of multiple woody follicles. Upon maturity, these follicles split open to reveal seeds enveloped in a fleshy red outer layer known as an aril, providing a sharp contrast against the woody texture. This distinctive red coloring of the aril, paired with the rugged appearance of the follicles, makes the fruit easily recognizable. Typically, the fruit’s size is modest, with follicles measuring up to a couple of inches, providing a tactile and vibrant experience when encountered.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Plant Jane magnolia in a location that has full sun or part shade. In cooler regions, opt for a full-sun site. The plant will benefit from partial shade in warmer regions. Avoid placing it in an area with warm southern exposure, which could encourage the buds to open too early in spring. If a magnolia gets too much hot sun, the blooms could suffer from sunscald.

Temperature and Humidity

This shrub can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 or -30 degrees Fahrenheit. It also needs proper air circulation to avoid powdery mildew, its biggest threat.

Watering

Magnolias ‘Jane’ thrives in consistently moist soil, akin to its origins in humid environments. This species exhibits a moderate tolerance for drought but flourishes when humidity levels are high. Watering should occur twice a week to maintain the desired moisture level. Magnolias ‘Jane’ is typically grown outdoors where it can bask in natural rainfall, enhancing its flowering potential and aligning with its preference for a well-hydrated environment.

Soil

Jane magnolia grows best in organically rich, medium-moisture, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Magnolias adapt easily to various soils, including clay, loam, or sand, but it doesn’t do well in wet or poorly drained soils. Add a layer of root-zone mulch to help the soil retain moisture, but keep it 4 inches away from the plant’s trunk.

Fertilizing

Organic fertilizer should be applied to the base of the plant in spring. At this time of year, your magnolias ‘Jane’ will just be starting to develop leaves and will want extra nitrogen to help with their production. This gives plants the energy to bloom a little later in the season. Therefore, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as dried-blood meal is recommended.

Later in the year, and particularly if your region has had heavy rain over the growing season, magnolias ‘Jane’ benefits from a lighter feed of fertilizer to help return vital nutrients into the ground. A fertilizer with potassium, such as potash, is suitable at this time of year and can be applied during fall before the tree becomes dormant over the winter.

Planting Instructions

The best time to plant young magnolias ‘Jane’ is during the spring. Plants should be kept well-watered, and benefit from the addition of organic matter or pre-mixed fertilizer to promote strong, healthy growth. This should be mixed in with the soil around the roots of new plants. Be sure to choose a location with plenty of room for your plant to grow.

Pruning

Magnolias ‘Jane’ requires little pruning. In fact, pruning can harm the trees or prevent flowering if pruned back too hard. Therefore, a light trim of younger trees during late spring/summer after they have finished blooming is all that is recommended to help shape your plant and to encourage more blooms in the coming years. Remove any damaged branches and ones that are crossing over. You can also trim back any extra-long, leggy shoots. Consider the tree shape when pruning your magnolias ‘Jane’, and always aim for a balanced, open structure.

Propagation

Jane magnolia is a sterile plant, meaning it doesn’t produce seeds and must be propagated via cuttings. Here’s how:

• Choose stems between softwood and semi-hardwood growth, and take them in the morning when the plant is holding more moisture.
• Snip 4 to 6 inches off the chosen stem with sharp pruning shears and wrap it in a wet paper towel.
• Dip the bottom of the cutting into a rooting hormone that contains IBA with 4,000 to 5,000 parts per million solution.
• Plant it immediately in a 5-inch pot filled with moist potting soil, using a misting chamber if you have one available. The cuttings will form roots within eight weeks.

Overwintering

Jane Magnolia is a cold-hardy tree that can survive freezing winter temperatures. At the extreme edges of its range, you can wrap in burlap and mulch around the base during deep freeze periods.

Pests and Diseases

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Jane magnolia is a hardy shrub with few pest or disease problems that are serious enough to warrant treatment. Powdery mildew can occur on leaves that are overcrowded and kept too moist. Also, leaf spot can affect magnolia leaves due to fungal and bacterial causes, but this is rare. Other potential disease problems include anthracnose and canker; you can use copper fungicides to get these under control.

Insect problems are rare, but if you notice anything bothering the tree, you might occasionally see weevils, snails, scale, and thrips. To maintain control of the plant, spray the entire plant with horticultural oil, an effective organic pest control method.

Common Problems

Jane magnolia is a solid hybrid that is easy to care for and resistant to most pests and diseases. Like any plant, it is vulnerable to environmental conditions and external factors.

• Leaves Wilt and Brown

If leaves wilt and turn brown, the problem is likely leaf scorch caused by under-watering. Keeping the soil moist will halt the situation and encourage optimal growth.

• Twig Death

Verticillium wilt is a rare fungal infection but can occur in any tree infiltrated by a soil-borne fungus, Verticillium dahliae. It is difficult to identify, but the first sign of the disease is twig dieback. The fungus enters the vascular tissues of the plant and usually spreads quickly. The fungus blocks the water-conducting vessels and causes eventual plant death.

In larger or mature trees, the disease can persist for many years before it kills the tree. It’s not reversible since it is systemic. You can postpone the tree’s death by keeping it fertilized and watered thoroughly.

• Dusty Leaves

If the leaves of your Jane magnolia appear to have a layer of dust sprinkled on its leaves, it likely has powdery mildew. It commonly occurs at the height of summer. It may start as powdery, whitish spots, then spreads to cover the entire leaf, including the underside. Leaves may eventually turn yellow and die, and branches may twist, break, or look disfigured. Treat it with fungicide or try effective home remedies such as a diluted milk solution or baking soda and water spray.

III. Uses and Benefits

Jane Magnolia is commonly used as a specimen plant, focal point in mixed borders, or as part of a shrub or woodland garden. Its compact size and stunning flowers make it a popular choice for smaller landscapes or urban gardens.