The planting of "Umbrella" (Magnolia tripetala) on April 2, 1767, along with several other plants, is among Jefferson's earliest garden notations. Magnolias continued to feature in Jefferson's planting schemes throughout his life. Although Saucer Magnolia, a hybrid cross of Magnolia denudata and M. liliiflora dating from 1820 in France, was never grown at Monticello in Jefferson's lifetime, its large, early-blooming flowers of white, pink, and maroon, are a welcome harbinger of spring here.
Typical Blooming Dates: March-April
Color(s): purple, white, pink
Location at Monticello: West Lawn
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
