Magnolia liliiflora x kobus var. stellata Group
Overview
The cross M. liliiflora (diploid, 2n=38) x kobus var stellata (tetraploid) results in sterile triploid hybrids (2n=57), the so-called Kosar Hybrids. Hybrids are excellent, hardy shrubs, intermediate to both parents. Later flowering (early May) than M. kobus var stellata. Seedlings show broad variation regarding flower colour (all shades of purple to pink) and number of petals (6-19). Selected cultivars flower at young age. Suitable for small gardens where space is limited. Deciduous. First hybrids created by William Kosar and Francids de Vos at the National Arboretum (United States) in 1955.