Magnolias are among the most beautiful trees, and the early flowering kinds are near the top of the list for spring display.
And one of the hardiest early magnolias, Magnolia Kobus, has pearly white blooms and slender branches.
Kobus Magnolia
The Kobus magnolia is one of the most pleasing, and fortunately, it is also one of the hardiest.
This species is native to northern Japan, and its vernacular name Kobushi was used as a source for the scientific name Magnolia Kobus and for the common name we use.
The plant was introduced to this country in 1865, when Thomas Hogg, President Lincoln’s representative in Japan, sent seeds home to New York, and the progeny was distributed principally by the Parsons nursery at Flushing.
Star Magnolia
Kobus is quite similar to the star magnolia, Magnolia stellata, which was featured as a novelty at the same time and by the same nursery.
The star magnolia, however, is native to the southern portions of the Japanese islands, and in general, it is more shrublike.
Flower differences between the two are quite pronounced. Kobus has 6 to 9 obovate petals of the traditional magnolia form.
Magnolia Stellata
Magnolia stellata has 14 to 20 narrowly oblong or strap-shaped segments which open rather flat into a less formal bloom.
Star magnolia is notable for setting buds freely even when quite small, and it must be admitted that Kobus does not have this beguiling habit.
However, it is a much more rapid grower and soon surpasses the 6- or 7-foot size when flowers are usually produced.
Two Japanese Species
Magnolia × loebneri
It is of particular interest that the hybrid between these two Japanese species, Magnolia × loebneri, combines the best traits of both parents.
It promises to make a small tree of the more graceful habit of Kobus, and its flowers have 10 to 12 or more large ovate petals and are larger than either parent.
The leaves of Kobus magnolia typically measure from 3” to 5” inches long, but a variety from northern Japan has larger leaves and much sturdier growth.
Hokkaido Magnolia
This variety of Borealis, Hokkaido magnolia, was introduced in 1892 by Professor Sargent of the Arnold Arboretum at Boston.
Vigorous plants of Hokkaido magnolia frequently grow 3′ to 4′ feet in one year, and it is not surprising that in its native forests, it makes massive, columnar trees 80’ feet high.
Unfortunately, this variety does not bloom until well-grown, and it also takes too much room for inclusion in many gardens.
Largest Hokkaido Magnolia Specimen
One of the country’s first and possibly largest specimens of Hokkaido magnolia is among the hundreds of plant treasures at Highland Park in Rochester, New York.
This tree on the east side of the reservoir dam has a trunk more than 2’ feet in diameter and a rounded, spreading crown, which must surpass 50’ feet in spread and height.
Magnolia Kobus’s Height
Ordinarily, however, the typical form of Magnolia Kobus makes a graceful small tree 15’ to 20’ feet high.
Specimens kept with several stems at the base often remain shrubby, but such treatment seems to be patterning this species after Magnolia stellata.
Artistic Blooming Effect
Plants achieve a more artistic effect with one or, at the most, two or three trunks, and it is then that the full distinction of this plant can be appreciated.
The branches are very slender for a magnolia, and their rather open arrangement is characteristic.
When each spur and shoot is tipped with an opening flower of pearly white, the effect cannot be surpassed, and, naturally, this picture has inspired the poets and artists of Japan for hundreds of years.
With abundant sunshine and the same fertile, moist soil preferred by related species, there should be no problem in the successful culture of Kobus magnolias. Spring is the best time for planting.
Best Planting Locations
Open Location
Although a forest tree by nature, Kobus is at its best in gardens if kept fairly well in the open to enjoy its beauty fully.
Even so, selecting a location protected from strong winds is advisable to prolong the bloom as much as possible.
A place of vantage in front of a group of pines or other conifers often fulfills all requirements.
Paved Area
Another pleasing location is at the corner of a terrace, or paved area, where the spreading branches 8′ or 10′ feet from the ground will furnish a light pattern of shade after the beauty of early spring has passed.
Among the companion subjects that go well with this white magnolia are leucothea, Enkianthus, Japanese andromedas, and especially the white and pale pink forms of Japanese quinces.
These bloom at about the same time. Other recommended associates are practical for all the azaleas, rhododendrons, and other shrubs which do best in light shade.
Terraced Lawn
One particularly lovely composition I have seen features a Kobus magnolia leaning from the top of a bank and arching over the entrance to a terraced lawn.
The hank under the magnolia is thickly carpeted with sweet white violets (Viola blanda) and a low pattern of the purple-leaf wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei coloratus).
At the back, a dense rampart of arborvitae has forced the magnolia to develop in a picturesque one-sided habit over the years. Happily enough, this makes a perfect frame for the vista beyond.
44659 by Ben Blackburn