Magnolia stellata colour changed after 45 years

Discussion in 'Magnoliaceae' started by BarberryKay, Mar 25, 2019.

  1. BarberryKay

    BarberryKay New Member

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    My mother has a white star magnolia that she planted 45 years ago in North Vancouver, BC. This year, instead of the usual white flowers, it's now covered entirely in pink flowers for the very first time since it was planted. Could it due to climate conditions prior to flowering? Or do old magnolias revert back to parent characteristics?
     
  2. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    That is curious. Are they becoming whiter with age?
     
  3. Moira Mackenzie

    Moira Mackenzie New Member

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    I've had my white star magnolia for about ten years and the same thing happened this spring. The flowers are all pink, and I've been curious about the reason as well.
     
  4. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    This is not an answer. I'm finding these reports so curious - several of the 'Akebono' cherries are less pink this year, paler buds and opening white right away.
     
  5. Purple_storm

    Purple_storm New Member

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    Wiki mentions something about color changes:

    Magnolia stellata - Wikipedia

    "...the pink also changes from year to year, depending on day and night air temperatures prior to and during flowering."
     
  6. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    They're talking about already non-white forms varying in depth of coloring with the weather. This is different from white kinds suddenly blooming pink.
     

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