Lois Magnolia

Lois Magnolia (Magnolia x brooklynensis 'Lois')

Lois Magnolia (Magnolia x brooklynensis 'Lois'), is a deciduous flowering tree known for its distinctive yellow spring blooms, often with soft green or subtle blush tones that add depth to the color. It brings a warm, fresh look to the garden at a time when most flowering trees are still limited to whites and pinks. As a Magnolia x brooklynensis selection, it is often chosen for its uncommon flower palette and its ability to deliver a refined, upright bloom display that looks clean and intentional. With a graceful canopy and a spring show that feels a little different from the usual magnolia lineup, Lois Magnolia makes an excellent focal point for front yards, entries, and collector-style landscapes.

Distinctive Features

The flowers are tulip-shaped and upright, opening in spring in clear yellow tones that can read as golden in sun and softer in shade. The bloom form stays structured, which helps the tree look polished in flower rather than loose or floppy. After bloom, the tree leafs out with medium green foliage and forms a tidy canopy that provides light shade through summer. The overall habit tends to be upright to rounded with age, giving it a composed, ornamental tree presence that supports both formal plantings and more naturalistic mixed borders.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun, with light afternoon shade helpful in hotter sites.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil; slightly acidic to neutral is ideal.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Habit: Deciduous small to medium tree with an upright to broadly rounded form.
• Mature Size: About 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Plant where the yellow spring flowers can be enjoyed from key views, like an entry walk, patio, or main window.
• Front Yard Specimen: Add curb appeal with a spring bloom display that feels distinctive and garden-forward.
• Mixed Border Anchor: Use as the backbone of a border, layering bulbs, perennials, and evergreen structure around the base.
• Evergreen Contrast Planting: Pair with dark conifers or hedges to make the yellow blooms look brighter and more saturated.
• Collector Tree: A strong choice for gardeners who want a less common magnolia with refined color and form.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep-water consistently during the first one to two seasons; steady moisture supports establishment and bud development.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to protect shallow roots and stabilize moisture, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if growth is slow; avoid heavy feeding.
• Pruning: Prune sparingly after flowering to remove dead wood or refine structure, since magnolias prefer minimal cutting.
• Site Selection: Choose a spot protected from harsh wind and avoid frost pockets when possible to help preserve the spring bloom display.

Why Choose Lois Magnolia?

• Distinctive Yellow Spring Blooms: Offers a fresh magnolia color palette that stands out from typical pink and white selections.
• Upright Bloom Form: Tulip-shaped flowers create a clean, structured spring display.
• Strong Landscape Presence: Provides an ornamental canopy that looks intentional and established over time.
• Easy to Design With: Complements evergreens, spring bulbs, and mixed borders for layered seasonal interest.
• Collector Appeal: A standout magnolia for gardeners who want something uncommon but still landscape-reliable.

If you want a magnolia that brings a more unusual spring flower color without sacrificing classic magnolia elegance, Lois Magnolia delivers a distinctive bloom season and dependable focal point presence in residential landscapes.