Scientific Name
Magnolia liliflora x sprengeri ‘Galaxy’ ‘Galaxy Tree’
The ‘Galaxy’ magnolia is another of the cold-hardy magnolia cultivars developed through decades of hybridization. It grows as a single-trunked tree with an upright, ascending branch structure, reaching about 30 feet in height and 20 feet in width. That makes it narrower than many of the magnolias traditionally planted in our region, which often spread wider than they grow tall.
The reddish-purple flowers can be quite large, 8 to 10 inches across, and tend to open somewhat later than those of other magnolias. In some years, this timing allows them to avoid damage from late spring frosts. The deciduous leaves are about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Both parent species, themselves the result of earlier hybrid crosses, are native to China. This hybrid was first created in 1963 but was not introduced into commerce until 1980.
It has not yet been widely adopted in our region, despite its horticultural merits. Some may hesitate to plant a tree whose blooms are vulnerable in certain years, though those who encounter it in full flower may be persuaded otherwise.