'A Valentine From Mother Nature': See Rare Magnolias In Bloom

SONOMA COUNTY, CA ? Sonoma Botanical Garden expects its rare magnolias to be in bloom this Valentine's Day and recommends a trip to the garden as a romantic date.

The garden is home to over 40 unique species of Asian magnolias, many of which are endangered in their native habitat, and in the coming weeks ?approximately Feb. 12-23? more than a dozen of these trees and shrubs will be at their best, with often large, saucer-shaped, pink and white flowers emerging on bare branches.

"What a joy that Sonoma Botanical Garden?s magnolia collection is bursting into bloom just as we celebrate love," said Jeannie Perales, executive director of Sonoma Botanical Garden. "These fleeting flowers remind us to savor beauty in every moment, and, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, 'The Earth laughs in flowers.' There?s no better time to pack a picnic for two and experience this joyful celebration of nature?s splendor."

The most plentiful right now is the Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) with 15 specimens planted throughout the garden. This smaller statured species blooms just before the leaves emerge. Its thin white to pink petals evoke a star shape, leading to its name. These plants started as wild seed collected in central Japan and are being monitored by a team of dedicated garden volunteers as part of the National Phenology Network, a research initiative aimed at understanding the timing of seasonal events and the effect of climate change on nature?s calendar.

The Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata) is a medium-sized tree with large, fragrant, white flowers, blooming well before the leaves begin to emerge. This creates a striking contrast, with the exuberant flowers perched on the ends of the still stark branches. While there are several specimens throughout the garden, the largest is now 30 years old, grown from seed originating in Zhejiang Province on the eastern coast of China.

Another early bloomer is the Kobus Magnolia (Magnolia kobus), with skyward-facing white flowers often blooming just as the glossy new leaves emerge from their winter buds. Native to Japan and South Korea, the specimens at the garden are representatives of wild genetics from multiple locations across Japan.

While the current bloom is especially photo-worthy, several magnolias at the garden flower well into spring, including the most asked-about species, the Japanese Big Leaf Magnolia (Magnolia obovata). After enormous leaves have developed ?often longer than 2 feet? the equally massive, white-petaled flowers generally open in April.

"Magnolias have such iconic beauty and are such an ancient lineage of plants," said Michael Wenzel, curator of Living Collections. "They inspire people on so many levels."

Visitors are encouraged to follow the garden?s social media channels for notable bloom alerts. Also currently on view, The Bonsai Show: Wood and Stone, through March 30, offers visitors a chance to take in the contemplative beauty of bonsai.

Special Magnolia Tours

Guests are invited to admire the magnificence of these blooms on a special, guided hanami stroll, a Japanese tradition of flower-viewing, from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 15-16 or from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17. The cost is $15 or free for members. Register online at sonomabg.org.

Afterward, complete the day with a visit to "The Bonsai Show: Wood and Stone," where intricate, miniature landscapes capture the artistry of nature in perfect detail.

What To Know

Sonoma Botanical Garden is situated on 67 acres at 12841 Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. The garden is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. General admission is $15 for adults; $12 for 65 and older; $8 for youth 5-17, teachers and active military; and free for children 4 and younger.

Call 707-996-3166 or email info@sonomabg.org with any questions.