Magnolia x Kewensis Wada's Memory Anise Magnolia

Magnolia × kewensis 'Wada's Memory', commonly known as Anise Magnolia or Wada's Memory Magnolia, is a distinguished deciduous tree celebrated for its early and abundant spring blooms. This hybrid, a cross between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia salicifolia, was selected by Brian Mulligan at the University of Washington Arboretum from seedlings provided by Japanese nurseryman Koichiro Wada in 1940 . The tree is renowned for its large, fragrant, semi-double white flowers that emerge before the foliage, creating a striking display. The blooms, measuring up to 7 inches across, exude an orange blossom fragrance and are a magnet for pollinators. 'Wada's Memory' exhibits a vigorous, upright, and conical growth habit in its youth, gradually maturing into a broader pyramidal form. The foliage emerges with a bronze hue, transitions to green, and culminates in a golden-yellow display in the fall. This cultivar is noted for its hardiness and adaptability, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8 . Its resilience and ornamental appeal have earned it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.