Magnolia kobus x liliiflora 'Marilyn'

Magnolia Marilyn

Magnolia kobus × liliiflora ‘Marilyn’ is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a rounded to upright habit, featuring medium to dark green foliage and large, slightly fragrant, tulip-shaped flowers that are deep burgundy-red to rosy purple on the outside with a contrasting white interior. It blooms in early to mid-spring and is valued for flowering at a young age, strong color, and good cold hardiness. Some sources list this cultivar as ‘Marillyn’, but they describe the same Brooklyn Botanic Garden introduction from 1989.

Type: Shrub / small tree
Mature Size: 8–12' W × 10–15' H
USDA Zones: 6a–8b
Form: Rounded to upright

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils; moderate water, prefers even moisture during establishment
Bloom Time / Length: Early to mid-spring; moderate (about 2–3 weeks)

Wildlife: Bees; some sources also note butterfly appeal and deer resistance.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for specimen planting, foundation beds, courtyards, patios, and other small-space gardens. Its rich burgundy-red flowers with white interiors give it a dramatic spring display, and its manageable size makes it useful where larger magnolias would be too broad.

Care:
Plant in well-drained soil and avoid soggy sites. Water regularly while establishing, then during extended dry periods. Prune only after flowering if shaping is needed. A sheltered site helps protect spring buds and blooms. 

Plant type

Evergreen Tree

Height

10-15'

Width

8-12'

Hardiness zones

6–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Early Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

Brown

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Clay, Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No