This is a Magnolia hybrid I've had a while that came from Henderson Experimental Gardens. This one has 11 tepals. See if you can find one online or from a book that matches it? Photos uploaded from the digital camera on March 17, 2006.
Yes, indeed this is 'Spectrum' - M. liliflora 'Nigra' x M. sprengeri 'Diva'. The middle photo gives it away. The photo on the right shows the interior coloring consistent with 'Nigra'. As the flower ages we will see more of the sprengeri characteristics in the flower. Jim
I have known this one for years. City People's Garden Store, Seattle has 'Black Tulip' in flower. Interesting aroma.
I knew you would know this one Ron. I've mentioned I had it in another thread. Was a good sized 15 gallon plant when I planted it in 1990. I was just tickled to have some buds low on the tree for once. Hard to take a photo when we are looking 25 feet up to do it. The sister seedling 'Galaxy' is a better landscape plant for around here with its propensity to be a profuse bloomer and makes a fuller, much better balanced shaped tree than 'Spectrum'. Having a canopy does apply to 'Galaxy' whereas 'Spectrum' takes after its sprengeri heritage and is much rangier, upright but every bit as wide as it is tall. Most photos that I've seen online of 'Spectrum' are a lighter shaded flower than mine is. Mine does not fade in color much, the tepals will fall before I see any real white or white shading on the outside of the tepals. In regards to 'Black Tulip', I've seen a couple around but have not seen it in bloom yet. When I see one in bloom I'll probably buy one just to evaluate it. Bcgift52 the aroma is the scent or fragrance the flower gives off. BLACK TULIP(TM) MAGNOLIA Jim
No, what I meant was I've known this cultivar for years. 'Galaxy' favors the 'Diva' parent and 'Spectrum' the lily magnolia parent, both in flowers and in habit (and foliage). USNA was only going to name one seedling from the cross ('Galaxy') but consented to name and introduce 'Spectrum' as well as it was found more satisfactory in hot climates. The original objective was a hardy pink street tree, being less erect and tidy 'Spectrum' fell short right there.
