Magnolia virginiana ‘Jim Wilson’ PP12,065

This new sweetbay magnolia was selected for its hardiness, vigorous growth, beautiful dark semi-evergreen foliage, and distinct upright growth habit.  Moonglow® has proven to be very winter hardy, having survived the terrible winters of the 1970’s in Northern Illinois.  There is no visible damage from the sudden blast of arctic air on November 2, 1991 when temperatures dropped to -1° F after a full month of temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s.  It showed no damage in the early 1980’s when the winter low was -28° F.  In January 1999 it withstood -33° F with no apparent damage.  This hardy magnolia’s almost evergreen foliage, upright habit of growth, and long period of flowering in late spring make it a very desirable tree for the home landscape, or for planting on city streets where a small tree is desirable.  This new cultivar will mature at about 35’ in height, with a 15 to 18’ spread.  Moonglow® flowers at a very young age, usually within two years from planting.  Besides a long blooming period, the flowers also have a lemon-scented fragrance that is very pleasing.  Adapted through USDA zone 5 and south.