Magnolia 'Unique'

Another yellow flowering selection by the Arboretum based on a cross carried out by Dr. August Kehr (for more information about this exceptional man see the introductory text on the page “our selections”). For this cross, he fertilised flowers of Magnolia acuminata with pollen from Magnolia cylindrica. This requires a special procedure, because Magnolia cylindrica flowers late March, early April while Magnolia acuminata flowers in May. It is therefore necessary to store the pollen of Magnolia cylindrica in the refrigerator until the flowers of Magnolia acuminata have become receptive. In 1992, Philippe de Spoelberch raised three seedlings from the seeds obtained, one of which was really worthwhile for its abundant and late soft yellow flowering and deep russet autumn colouring. We gave this unique crossing the appropriate name 'Unique'. This name has not yet been officially registered: we will first evaluate the propagation process and results.