Oyama or Siebold Magnolia

Oyama sieboldii

Oyama magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii) is a 10-15 feet tall (and equal spread) deciduous tree or large shrub from eastern Asia. It prefers to grow in partial sunlight and in moist, well drained loamy soil (USDA zones 6 -8). Why are not more gardeners are not growing this small tree/shrub magnolia. Spring bloom is in May, avoiding the threat of frost injuring the flower buds of this later blooming magnolia.

White nodding egg-shaped flower buds appear in late June, and blooms appear intermittently thru most of the summer. The 1-3 inch wide saucer shaped flowers are white, centered by crimson stamens within. Oyama begins to flower at an early age.

The 3-6 inch long medium green foliage is first to appear in April, coated with a silvery pubescence. Leaves turn pale yellow before abscising in mid-autumn. Small pink fruits appear in late summer, and split open to reveal orange-red seeds in late September. Branch bark wood is light gray.

Feed magnolias with a slow release fertilizer in early spring. They benefit from annual mulching.  Pruning shrub to desired shape and size, and to remove dead or broken branches.

Oyama magnolia is an excellent pick for a small garden. It is available from  a few on-line specialty nurseries.