Anise Magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia)

Willow-Leaved Magnolia, Willow-Leaf Magnolia

Magnolia salicifolia, also known as Anise Magnolia or Willow-Leafed Magnolia, is a graceful deciduous tree with slender, willow-like leaves and stunning, fragrant creamy white flowers that bloom in late spring, adding beauty and elegance to any landscape.

What is Anise Magnolia?

Magnolia salicifolia is a small deciduous tree native to Japan.

Habit and Size: The tree has a rounded habit and typically grows to around 20 to 30 feet (6-9 meters) in height but can sometimes reach up to 50 feet.

Flowers: The flowers are cup-shaped, white to pale pink with purple bases. Each flower has 6-9 tepals and measures about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter. Rich with a lemon or anise fragrance, they appear on naked branches.

Blooming Season: The flowers appear in early spring, before the leaves, providing a delightful early display.

Foliage: Anise magnolia is known for its lanceolate, willow-like leaves, which are bright green on the top and pale green underneath. The leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, adding to the plant’s year-round interest.

Bark: Its bark is gray and relatively smooth.

Hardiness: Magnolia salicifolia is considered hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Uses: Anise Magnolia is primarily grown for ornamental purposes due to its beautiful, fragrant blooms and attractive foliage. It can be used as a specimen or accent tree in gardens and parks.

Pollinators: The tree attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, when in flower.

In summary, the Anise Magnolia is a beautiful, fragrant, and ornamental tree that brings early spring interest and year-round beauty to the landscape.

Why should I Grow Anise Magnolia?

Anise Magnolia, or Magnolia salicifolia, is an excellent addition to any garden for a variety of reasons:

Seasonal Interest: The Anise Magnolia provides year-round interest with its fragrant, cup-shaped flowers blooming in late early spring, its vibrant green leaves in the summer, and golden yellow foliage in the fall.

Ornamental Value: The beauty of this tree lies not just in its flowers but also in its overall form and leaf texture. Its willow-like leaves and rounded shape make it an attractive standalone specimen tree or an accent in a mixed border.

Fragrance: The fragrant blooms are a delight in any garden, creating an aromatic atmosphere during its flowering season.

Pollinator Attraction: When in bloom, the tree is known to attract bees and butterflies, helping to promote biodiversity in your garden.

Moderate Size: Typically growing to a height of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters), this tree can be a perfect fit even in small to medium-sized gardens.

Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and care once established.

Guide Information

Hardiness	6 - 9
Heat Zones	6 - 9
Climate Zones	2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Trees
Genus	Magnolia
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early) Fall
Height	20' - 50' (6.1m - 15.2m)
Spread	20' - 50' (6.1m - 15.2m)
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Attracts	Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas	Wall-Side Borders, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Beautiful Anise Magnolias

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid) Fall
Height	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)
Spread	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)

Garden Design with Anise Magnolia

Designing a garden with Anise Magnolia as a focal point can create a visually stunning and fragrant space. Here are some suggestions:

Positioning: Anise Magnolia is often used as a standalone specimen tree. It can also serve as a beautiful backdrop to your garden when placed behind smaller shrubs and perennials.
Borders and Beds: To create a layered look, plant smaller shrubs and perennials in front of the Anise Magnolia. You could use flowering shrubs that bloom at the same time as the Anise Magnolia, such as rhododendrons or azaleas, to create a springtime spectacle. Complement this with bulbs like daffodils and tulips that will provide early spring interest.
Contrasting Foliage: The willow-like green leaves of the Anise Magnolia stand out beautifully against plants with darker or variegated foliage, like hostas or heucheras.
Spring Blossom Garden: If you’re a fan of spring blossoms, consider grouping Anise Magnolia with other spring-flowering trees such as cherry blossoms or dogwoods. This will extend the blooming period and offer a succession of different colors and shapes.
Sensory Garden: For a sensory garden, pair Anise Magnolia with other fragrant plants such as lavender or roses. The different fragrances will mingle and create a pleasant atmosphere, and the variety of colors will create a visual feast.
Night Garden: Anise Magnolia’s white flowers can glow in the moonlight, making it an excellent choice for a moon garden. Pair it with other white or light-colored flowers that also bloom at night, like moonflower or white phlox.

Companion Plants for Anise Magnolia

Azalea and Rhododendron

Narcissi (Daffodils)

Tulips

Hosta (Plantain Lily)

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Helleborus (Hellebore)

Growing Tips

Growing Magnolia salicifolia, or Anise Magnolia, is a relatively straightforward process. Here are some tips:

Planting Site: Choose a location that receives full sun to part shade. Magnolias can tolerate various light conditions, but flowering is often best in sunnier spots.
Soil: Anise Magnolia prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
Planting: When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Set the tree in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil and press firmly around the base of the tree.
Watering: After planting, water the tree thoroughly and continue to water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, Magnolia salicifolia can tolerate short periods of drought, but it’s best to water during extended dry spells.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Pruning: Pruning is not usually necessary except to remove dead or diseased wood or to maintain a particular shape. If needed, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Fertilizing: Anise Magnolia doesn’t generally require heavy fertilization. However, if your soil is poor, an application of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial.
Pests and Diseases: Generally, Anise Magnolia is not significantly affected by pests or diseases, but watch out for common problems like aphids, scale insects and powdery mildew.

zheltobriukh / 123RF Stock Photo

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.