Why Plant Sunsation Magnolia?
Outrageous! Sunsation Magnolia will be a traffic-stopper in your landscape in spring. Brakes will squeal as gawkers stop to get a better look. “What kind of tree covers itself in huge (seven-inch) yellow flowers?” they’ll wonder. Sunsation becomes even more fascinating upon closer inspection, when you notice the rosy-pink brushstroke at the base of each creamy yellow petal. The color combo is unexpected but lovely. Unlike many spring-blooming Magnolias, Sunsation rarely gets zapped by late frosts. It blooms later than most, almost always avoiding subfreezing temperatures. You can depend on it to put on a stellar performance!
Dr. August “Augie” Kerr was a passionate plantsman who worked for Louisiana State University, Iowa State, and finally, the USDA, in Beltsville, Maryland. He worked on breeding projects to produce better onions, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, as well as many ornamental plants. In 1978, Dr. Kerr retired to North Carolina and continued to breed plants on his own time. One of his major interests was Magnolias, and since his new home sat in a frost pocket, he was especially interested in breeding later-flowering types. Sunsation Magnolia was one of his most remarkable achievements to this end. The tree was introduced in 2000.
How to use Sunsation Magnolia in the landscape?
Sunsation waits until it’s safe to flower, which means that the leaves are emerging when the blossoms appear. However, the foliage is not yet fully expanded at that time, so the flashy flowers are not hidden. Your view of the show will be unimpeded!
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
How To Plant Sunsation Magnolia
Give your Sunsation 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, Sunsation dislikes both very wet and very dry conditions, so plant it a couple of 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. Sunsation requires little pruning.
How To Water
Sunsation Magnolia will appreciate regular water during its first few years in the ground and irrigation during long dry spells after it’s established.
How To Prune
Prune late spring to early summer to be able to enjoy the flowers each spring. Not much pruning work required, very low maintenance.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
