Magnolia x kobus 'Wada's Memory'

'Wada's Memory' Tulip Magnolia

Magnolia × kobus ‘Wada’s Memory’ is a deciduous flowering tree prized for its large, fragrant white flowers that open before the foliage in early spring. The blooms are starry to tulip-like, usually with six long tepals that spread and gently droop at the tips, creating a refined, luminous display. Young plants tend to have a distinctly upright, pyramidal habit, gradually broadening and becoming more mounded or oval with age.

Type: Deciduous tree

Mature Size: 20–30' W x 20–30' H

USDA Zones: 5a–8b

Form: Upright pyramidal when young, becoming broader, oval to rounded with age

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soil; adaptable to clay, loam, and sand if drainage is good; regular moisture during establishment

Bloom Time / Length: Early to mid-spring; flowers open before leaf emergence and the display can be especially heavy on mature plants

Wildlife: Flowers may attract early pollinators, and the pink fruits with red seeds can add some bird interest later in the season. The pollinator note is a modest inference from its fragrant early bloom, while fruit and seed display are directly noted.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent as a specimen tree, lawn tree, or focal point near patios and entries where the fragrant spring bloom can be appreciated up close. Its symmetrical structure, early flowering at a young age, and clean pyramidal habit when young make it especially useful in formal or mixed residential landscapes.

Care: Plant in full sun to light shade in fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture, water regularly while establishing, and avoid prolonged drought. Prune only lightly after flowering if shaping is needed.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Oval, Pyramidal, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No