In full flower this week is the amazing dwarf saucer magnolia, Magnolia soulangeana ‘Kiki’s Broom’. This amazing witches broom mutation was discovered by Vermont plantsman Greg Williams, and subsequently propagated and named by Oregon nurseryman, Talon Buchholz. This gem should be in every garden where it can be grown. We expect it to mature at 4′ tall x 6′ wide. Hardiness Zone 5a-9a.
Very nice.
Very Kute.
I presume this is in full sun? (This would likely stretch in my part sun/shade over the expected maturity size.)
Yes, our plant is in full sun, and I would indeed expect it to get slightly taller and flower less with less sun.
Wow! Very nice. Is that dwarf trait something that can be passed along in the breeding process or is that not possible with witches brooms?
Yes, genetics from Witches brooms usually pass the dwarf traits via seed. Seed from the dwarf Pinus taeda at the JC Raulston Arboretum came from a witches broom. When those offspring finally coned, a large percentage of those were also dwarf. I’m not aware of any magnolia breeders who has worked with Magnolia ‘Kiki’s Broom’, but it seems that this would be a gold mine for breeders to create patio-sized magnolias.