Magnolia 'Judy Zuk'

Magnolia 'Judy Zuk' is a striking small- to medium-sized deciduous tree with a pyramidal habit, growing up to 20 to 28 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide within the first 10 years. This magnificent tree blooms in early spring, just as the large green leaves begin to emerge. Its fragrant tulip-shaped flowers, which face upwards and measure 6 to 12 inches wide, display a rich shade of golden-yellow flushed with plum to apricot-pink at the base, adding a delightful fragrance to your garden. This gorgeous magnolia was named to honor Judy Zuk, a former President of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

A robust grower, 'Judy Zuk' magnolia is an excellent choice for a specimen, accent, or shade tree. Its elegant form and vibrant flowers make it perfect for small, narrow spaces in city and courtyard gardens, where its architectural branches also add winter interest.

Low maintenance and easy to grow, 'Judy Zuk' magnolia thrives in sunny to partially shady spots sheltered from strong, cold winds. It prefers organically rich, medium moist, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.1 - 7.3). Young trees benefit from regular irrigation and a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture. The tree requires little to no pruning, but any necessary shaping should be done immediately after flowering.