Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: Galaxy Magnolia

Family: Magnoliaceae

Distribution: Garden Origin

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Hardiness: Zone 5b -15 to -10 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental shade tree

Comments: Galaxy magnolia is a medium sized deciduous tree growing to 30’ tall by 25’ wide. Flowers sweetly fragrant, dark reddish-purple blooms that can reach 8 to 10 inches in size. Unlike many magnolias, it has a narrow upright habit for many years, which makes it suitable for small gardens. Eventually, however, it will widen to about 25 feet. Magnolia 'Galaxy' begins blooming at an early age and flowers profusely as the tree matures. It blooms two to three weeks later than many other magnolias, thereby avoiding late spring frosts. It is stronger limbed than many magnolias and doesn't break easily in harsh winter weather. It works well in either a woodland or mixed shrub border. Good companion plants include hellebores, spring-flowering bulbs, winter-flowering heaths, and broadleaf evergreens. 'Galaxy' was developed at the U.S. National Arboretum, where it resulted from a 1963 cross between M. liliiflora and M. sprengeri 'Diva'. It flowers best when planted in full sun to light or open shade. It will thrive in a rich moist to well-drained soil, but will tolerate sand and clay if the drainage is adequate.