Magnolia 'George Henry Kern' – compact magnolia with fragrant pink flowers (young plants)

Magnolia 'George Henry Kern' is a compact hybrid resulting from a cross between Magnolia stellata and Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'. It is prized for its moderate size, abundant flowering, and the pleasant fragrance of its flowers.

It forms a dense shrub or a small tree, usually 2–4 m tall. The flowers appear in spring (April–May), before or alongside the leaves. They are cup-shaped, pale pink on the inside and a deeper pinkish-purple on the outside. The buds are an attractive dark pink. The flowers are fragrant and long-lasting. The leaves are deep green and may take on bronze hues in autumn.

Key features:

• Pink flowers (pale pink with darker accents), fragrant
• Compact form, ideal for small gardens
• Abundant and relatively prolonged flowering
• Good frost resistance (down to approx. -20°C)
• Slow to moderate growth
• Size: 2–4 m tall (may grow slightly larger over time)

Easy care:

• Light: partial sun to full sun. Prefers a position sheltered from cold winds.
• Temperature: frost-hardy down to -18-20°C (some sources indicate even lower temperatures).
• Watering: moderate, especially during the first few years. Keep the soil slightly moist, without waterlogging.
• Soil: prefers slightly acidic to neutral, rich, well-drained soil.
• Pruning: minimal. Light pruning can be done after flowering to remove dry branches. 

Fragrant flowers: Yes

Height is approximate and measured including the pot. 

Note: During the cold season, garden plants are sold without leaves and pruned back to encourage branching.