Judy Zuk Magnolia

Magnolia x brooklynensis, is named for the past president of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden Judy Zuk. It is an excellent yellow magnolia specimen with an upright and pyramidal shape. Magnificent tulip-like magnolia blooms appear in early spring strongly yellow, but with hints of orange and pink. In the spring, loads of blooms precede leaves, emerging from large buds with a creamy yellow color that stays strong through the life of the bloom. As the blooms fall from the tree in a shower of pedals, the leaves begin to emerge. The glossy leaves and elegant shape of the tree provide summer interest and a strong backdrop for other later blooming shrubs. 

For the yard it makes an amazing specimen tree coming in at around 20 to 25 ft. tall. in about 10 years, and keeps a slender pyramidal profile getting only 8-10 ft. wide. The specimens that we carry in the nursery have a strong single trunk ensuring you tree starts from a strong central leader.

Judy Zuk Magnolia are excellent trees in a variety of settings. They make good specimen trees in the yard, but due to the early bloom also thrive on the edge of a forest garden. The smallish stature 20 to 25 ft. makes them an easier tree to find a place for and their unusual large yellow pedals make them a great combination with other trees spring pinks, purples, whites and reds. These trees are fairly easy to care for, they require little pruning and will do well in most soils, but like most trees thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. For lighting they do well in anything from full sun to part shade.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.