Why plant Red Baron Magnolia?
Magnolias are staples of the South, beautifying landscapes with their big, bold flowers and wafting a heavenly perfume into the air. But why should Southerners get to have all the fun? Red Baron lets gardeners in the North experience the pleasures of Magnolia-growing, too! Bred in Wisconsin, this hardy Tree endures the rigors of northern winters and still puts on a fine show in spring. The bowl-shaped blooms are rosy red on the outside, white within, and they smell divine.
Most spring-blooming Magnolias are native to Asia, although they're treasured all over the temperate world. Who can resist falling for these over-the-top beauties? The late Dennis Ledvina brought this beauty to life. Ledvina, from Green Bay, Wisconsin, was a math teacher by trade, but he liked to breed Magnolias in his spare time. Plant breeding was more than just a hobby for him -- his lovely and cold-hardy selections became internationally acclaimed. To produce Red Baron, he crossed the American Cucumber Tree Magnolia with an Asian hybrid called 'Big Dude'.
How to use Red Baron Magnolia in the landscape?
Red Baron blooms a bit later than many Magnolias -- shortly after the leaves begin to emerge. As a result, the flowers are less likely to be hit by a late freeze, a common problem with spring-blooming Magnolias in some parts of the country. Plant Red Baron as a lawn specimen, or include it in any of the sunny mixed borders around your property. Gorgeous!
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
How To Plant Red Baron Magnolia
Give your Red Baron Magnolia a sunny spot in a well-drained site, and it will be happy. A rich, organic, slightly acid soil will result in the best growth. Like most Magnolia Trees, Red Baron dislikes both very wet and very dry conditions, so plant it a couple inches above grade to improve drainage, and supply it with regular water, especially during the first year or two of establishment. A generous layer of mulch will help in regulating soil moisture levels as well as evening out root zone temperatures.
How To Water
Water weekly, or better yet, use the Bower & Branch® Water Element to deliver just the right amount of moisture to your tree throughout the growing season.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.
How To Prune
Red Baron requires little, if any, pruning to maintain its neat, compact shape.