Magnolia ‘Daybreak’ – Daybreak Magnolia

Botanical Name: Magnolia ‘Daybreak’

The Daybreak Magnolia tree is a graceful, small deciduous tree that produces a profusion of large, stunning blooms in spring. It has a columnar shape, which is unusual for a magnolia tree as they tend to have broad, rounded crowns.

Magnolia ‘Daybreak’ was first developed in the 1980’s by the plant breeder Dr. August Kehr and is probably a cross between Magnolia ‘Woodsman’ and Magnolia ‘Tina Durio’. In 2004 it was awarded the golden medal by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. This tree grows to a height of 15-25 feet with a spread of 6-12 feet.

The blooms on the Daybreak Magnolia are a beautiful combination of pale and dark pink. They cover the tree’s canopy in mid spring forming a fragrant, bright, and beautiful display. The flowers are very large, up to 10 inches wide.

The leaves are mid-green and oval shaped with wavy margins. They grow up to 10 inches long and 6 inches wide.

Mulch the roots to keep soil moisture constant in the root zone. The Daybreak Magnolia will tolerate a variety of soils but does like good drainage. This cultivar is tolerant of urban pollution and along with its narrow stature, this makes it suitable for city gardens and narrow locations.

Not susceptible to any significant diseases or pests.