Jane Magnolia

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15 - 18 Feet

Mature Spread

15 - 18 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Jane Magnolia, or Magnolia Liliiflora Jane, is a large, upright, multi-branched shrub that produces star-shaped, tulip-like flowers that are snowy-white on the inside, with rich shades of purple on the outside. The flowers on the Jane Magnolia can reach up to 8 inches across. This unparalleled magnolia blooms throughout the entire spring and summer season, with the first bloom in late April before leaf out, followed by a sporadic rebloom in the summer. Reaching heights of 20 to 25 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet, this deciduous magnolia will fill your spring and summer air with a rich, unforgettable perfume.  

Jane Magnolia was introduced as one of eight in the “Little Girl” Kosar-DeVos Hybrid series. This Magnolia is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways. They are attractive and produce many blooms, even though they are small and compact. They are hardy plants that do not require much maintenance, but they are attractive to deer. Use a natural deer repellent in the spring to keep the critters away.

Jane Magnolia Care

Your Jane Magnolia will thrive in a sunny location with dappled afternoon shade. In full sun with all day exposure, the blooms can suffer from sunscald. It needs neutral to slightly-acidic, medium-moisture, sandy or silty soil, but it can tolerate clay. It does not do well in wet areas and needs soil that is well-drained. Its greatest threat is powdery mildew. Proper air-circulation will help keep the mildew at bay. Your Jane Magnolia will need fertilizer every two or three years in the late fall. Fertilizer made for acid-loving plants is the best choice.

You should plant your Jane Magnolia in the spring or early fall. Choose a location where it can mature without transplanting, as these deciduous shrubs are difficult to transplant. This stunning magnolia should be planted away from buildings, foundations and walls, as its roots and branches spread over time. To plant, dig a hole as big as the root ball and three times the width. Backfill with enriched soil and water well. It is best to add a 2-inch layer of mulch to protect your plant as it grows to maturity, and to help the soil retain moisture.

You do not have to prune your Jane Magnolias, but if you would like to, while the plant is still young, all you need to do is remove dead branches after it has finished flowering. After a few years, you should avoid pruning your Magnolia at all as the tree may not heal from cutting. 

Jane Magnolia Spacing

Jane Magnolia makes a strong vertical impression in a big flower border. You should plant your Jane Magnolias at least 6 feet apart to create a show-stopping hedge. They are also beautiful as a single accent in smaller landscaping spaces. The branches of this remarkable magnolia are low and thick, so it can also work as a screen near a patio.