Alert: Rare Magnolias To Reach Peak Bloom

GLEN ELLEN, CA — Sonoma Botanical Garden is home to over 40 unique species of Asian magnolias, many of which are endangered in their native habitat.

In the coming two to three weeks, approximately March 11-31, more than a dozen of these spectacular trees and shrubs will erupt in a stunning riot of pink and white. With often large, saucer-shaped flowers emerging on bare branches, the winter magnolia bloom is one of the Garden’s most breathtaking highlights of the year.

"There are towering trees and diminutive shrubs with foliage that ranges from glossy to felty, and elegant flowers that nod, hiding their bright red stamens, to luscious 2-foot-wide, giant flowers pointed to the sky," said Michael Wenzel, Living Collections curator for Sonoma Botanical Garden.

The most plentiful in March is the Star Magnolia —Magnolia stellata — with 15 specimens planted throughout the Garden. This smaller-statured species blooms just before its leaves emerge. Its thin white-to-pink petals evoke a star shape, hence the name. These plants started as wild seeds collected in central Japan and have been a part of several studies examining the genetics of magnolias.

Another March bloomer is the Kobus Magnolia — Magnolia kobus — with skyward-facing white flowers often blooming just as the glossy new leaves are emerging from their winter buds. The specimens at the Garden are native to Japan and South Korea and are representatives of wild genetics.

The often fragrant, evergreen Smooth Leaf Magnolia —Magnolia laevifolia— from Southwest China can be quite floriferous with many 2-inch flowers developing along the sides of the spreading branches. Even before the flower opens, its felty brown buds arranged along the stem are particularly eye-catching.

While peak bloom is especially photo-worthy, Wenzel assured visitors there are still wonderful opportunities to see blooming magnolias at the Garden well into spring, including the most asked-about species, the Japanese Big Leaf Magnolia —Magnolia obovata. After its enormous leaves have developed, often longer than 2 feet, the equally massive, white-petaled flowers open in April.

For alerts about notable blooms, visitors are encouraged to follow the Garden on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Sonoma Botanical Garden is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, closed Tuesdays and some holidays at
12841 Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. Admission is $12 for adults, with discounts for seniors, teens,
active military and students. Admission is free for children under 12.