Genie's main feature is its stunning large fragrant crimson purple flowers. The flower buds are a black-red as they emerge, with a soft sheen, opening to a full deep crimson colour, initially against bare branches.
Genie flowers over 3-4 weeks in May, making it longer-lasting than many other Magnolias. It may produce a secondary display of flowers in the summer. It also flowers from a young age.
The tree grows with a neat compact habit, reaching perhaps 3m after 10 years. It makes a good choice if you are new to growing Magnolias.
Genie is cold-hardy, and the blossom has some frost-resistance, but it does best in a sheltered spot in free-draining neutral or slightly acidic soil.
Genie was developed in New Zealand by Vance Hooper, and is a complex hybrid derived from Magnolia soulangeana crossed with Magnolia lilliflora.
This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2022.