What is an Ann Magnolia?

The Magnolia 'Ann' is a hybrid breed of magnolias mainly used on lawns as short trees or flowery shrubs. They have purple-red flowers that resemble tulips and grow to be about ten feet tall.

Francis DeVos and William Kosar bred the Magnolia 'Ann' along with many other hybrid magnolias at the National Arboretum in the 1950s. All of the hybrids were named after girls, such as "Betty" and "Susan." The defining difference between a Magnolia 'Ann' and other magnolia hybrids is their purple-red flowers and the fact that they bloom earlier in the spring to avoid frost damage throughout the season.