Magnificent Magnolias

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1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2017 Press Contact: Nina Sazevich, (415) ; Magnificent Magnolias At San Francisco Botanical Garden January 15 March 31, 2018 SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco has many treasures, from its charming cable cars to its famous bridge over the Golden Gate. But one of its great sights only takes place once a year during the cool and crisp days of winter at San Francisco Botanical Garden where nearly 100 towering magnolias, many rare and historic, defy the chill and erupt into a riot of pink and white blossoms. Velvety silver buds on the often bare branches of these elegant trees open into saucer-sized, vibrant flowers, filling the wintery Garden with dramatic splashes of color and sweetly fragrant scents. The annual floral spectacle, with trees reaching 80 feet, peaks between mid-january and March. Visitors to the Garden can take advantage of a free Magnolia Walk map, docent-led tours, a magnolia mobile app and more, as well as unique classes and activities, including a Valentine s Day Happy Hour and special Magnolias by Moonlight tours, to celebrate and learn more about these unique trees. SFBG is home to the most significant magnolia collection for conservation purposes outside China, where the majority of species originated. The Garden s current collection includes 54 species and 49 cultivars, including many important specimens from Asia. This unique and long-standing collection began in 1939 with Eric Walther, who planted the very first magnolia in the Garden and continued to introduce species and cultivars throughout his tenure as the Garden s first Director. One of the most famous species he planted was the cup and saucer magnolia or Magnolia campbellii, the first of its kind to bloom in the United States in 1940, attracting huge crowds of excited and curious visitors who stood in long lines to see the magnificent large pink blossoms of this lovely magnolia that still stands in the Garden today. More than a dozen other M. campbellii can now also be found throughout the Garden.

2 Magnolias have long been the signature flower of San Francisco Botanical Garden, says Ryan Guillou, the Garden s Curator. However, these admired and iconic beauties are in trouble. Nearly half of the world s magnolias are threatened with extinction in the wild. Very few botanical gardens in the world can grow and preserve the breadth of species that we can, and to see them in bloom is a true San Francisco treat. The Magnolia family Magnoliaceae, named for botanist Pierre Magnol in 1748 is considered by paleobotanists to be one of the earliest flowering plant families. Magnolia fossils date back nearly 100 million years to the time of the dinosaurs. The flowers were pollinated by beetles since winged bees had not yet evolved at that time. Survivors of several ice ages, magnolias thrived in the protected mountains of southern China, the southern United States, southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Eighty percent of the more than 247 species occur in Asia. In addition to the flagship M. campbellii, some of the other prized magnolias in the Garden s collection include: Magnolia campbellii 'Darjeeling' Propagated through cuttings from a tree growing in the Lloyd Botanic Garden in Darjeeling, India, this Himalayan species is thought by many to be the most spectacular of all the magnolias that bloom at the Garden with magnificent deep pink flowers emerging on leafless branches in a dramatic display. Magnolia campbellii Strybing White A special white form of Magnolia campbellii grown from seed purchased in India in 1934 and propagated at the Golden Gate Park Nursery. Planted in 1940 here, it is the largest magnolia at the Garden towering over 80 feet. Magnolia denudata One of the most beloved of all magnolias. Called the "Yulan" or "Jade Lily" by the Chinese due to the exquisite lily shape of the blossoms with their often pure white petals, this species has the longest history of cultivation going back to the Tang Dynasty AD. Its beauty was celebrated on ancient Chinese embroideries, scrolls, and porcelains in scenes of the countryside. Its elegant flowers made it a "gift worthy of an emperor." Magnolia denudata was the first magnolia from the East introduced to the western world when it was brought to England in 1780, and is one of the parents of many hybrids popular today. Magnolia zenii The rarest magnolia in the Garden is listed as critically endangered. Only a few dozen of these plants were discovered in China in 1931.

3 Magnolia amoena Also known as charming magnolia, this gift from the Shanghai Botanical Garden was presented to the Garden by then-mayor Diane Feinstein in It was discovered on Mt. Hwang in China in 1933, one of the last magnolias discovered in the wild. Magnolia dawsoniana This endangered magnolia from China has large pink flowers, up to 10 inches, that droop with age and look like flags blowing in the wind. This magnolia was named after the first superintendent of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Magnolia campbellii Late Pink Introduced at the Garden from seed purchased in 1934 from G. Ghose and Co. in Darjeeling, India, the flowers of this magnolia appear two to four weeks later than other Magnolia campbellii, extending the magnolia viewing season at the Garden. Magnolia sprengeri Diva This cultivar has particularly dark, rich, rose pink petals. The Garden s tree is one of the very few mature specimens in cultivation. Magnolia doltsopa An evergreen magnolia, formerly known as Michelia doltsopa, it was discovered near Kathmandu, Nepal around The highly fragrant white flowers are about six inches across, opening from velvety-brown buds. It is often grown in the Bay Area, sometimes as a street tree, but the specimens in the Garden are some of the largest in cultivation in California. Magnolia laevifolia Strybing Compact This species, native to Yunnan province in China, can grow at altitudes as high as 9,000 feet, far higher than most other magnolias can survive. The flowers are fragrant and used to make perfume. This special cultivar is unique for its outstanding dwarf form. RELATED PROGRAMMING A free Magnolia Walk map, highlighting key species and their location within the Garden, is available to the public. A free magnolia mobile app is available as well, providing a dynamic, searchable map of the collection. The Garden also offers free magnolia docent tours and hands-on interpretation stations on most weekends. Visitors can enjoy a special digital exhibition of stunning magnolia illustrations from rare books in the Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture, Northern California's most comprehensive horticultural collection. The Rare Book Room is not open to the public so this is an excellent opportunity to see these beautiful illustrations. In addition, visitors can

4 find over 250 magnolia related items in the publicly accessible book collection, and the library will feature a special magnolia book display during the month of February. Free bibliographies for children and adults will also be available on a variety of magnoliarelated themes. In the Bookstore, visitors enjoy special discounts on magnolia items including greeting cards, books, posters and more. In addition, the Garden offers these special programs for adults and families: Children s Story Time in the Library and Family Garden Walk Sundays, February 4 & 18; 10:30 11:30 AM FREE (regular admission fees apply for docent walks following story readings) Families will love February s Story Time theme, Blooming Branches: Magnolias & More!, which will feature magnolias and other flowering trees. After the story, the guided Family Garden Walk will also explore the magnolia bloom. Best suited for families with children ages 4-8. Magnificent Magnolia Curator Tours Saturdays, January 20, February 17; March 10; 11:00 AM 12:30 PM $25 general Get the inside scoop on the Garden s magnolia collection with a walking tour led by one of our curatorial staff. Learn about the history and importance of the collection, and get tips on growing your own in the Bay Area. Bring your cameras and take home a lasting memory of these precious blooms. Heavy rain cancels. Magnolias by Moonlight Tuesday, January 30; 5:30 7:30 PM Wednesday, February 28; 5:30 7:30 PM $35 general Something magical happens when you stroll among the magnolias in the moonlight. The blooms reflect the silvery moon, and the sweet fragrance is intoxicating. Full moon walks, led by knowledgeable docents, are a special occurrence not to be missed. The walking tour includes a refreshment stop for hot tea and delicious treats. Bring a flashlight. Heavy rain cancels. Blooms and Brews Thursday, March 1; 5:30 7:30 PM $35 general, 21 and over

5 Imbibe seasonal, locally brewed beer as you appreciate the natural beauty of the Magnificent Magnolias. Discover the flowers at your own pace with a self-guided tour in the moonlight and enjoy complimentary beer and snacks. Bring a flashlight. Heavy rain cancels. It Takes Two to Tango: Valentine's Day Happy Hour at the Garden Saturday, February 10, 4 7 PM $50 general, 21 and over (+$5 for Plant LOVE Tour) Book a special happy hour for that special someone in your life! It Takes Two to Tango is a unique Valentine s Day happy hour at the Garden that will delight the senses! Learn how plants reproduce and keep the species going on a docent guided tour through the Garden. Move to the music as special guests offer up a group tango lesson before they take the stage for a performance not to be missed. Excite your taste buds with special tasting treats, beer, and wine (two drink tickets included with ticket price). To join the Plant LOVE Tour, there is an additional $5 fee, as space is limited. Magnolias, Camellias & Rhododendrons: Pencil Drawing with Nina Antze Thursday, February 15; 10 AM 3 PM $90 general Botanical artist Nina Antze shows you why colored pencil techniques are ideally suited to capture the fragile glories of the winter Garden. The unique colors of magnolias, camellias, and rhododendron provide the opportunity to practice mixing and layering color. Participants will explore a variety of colored pencil techniques including burnishing, layering, and using watercolor pencil. Live blooms from the Garden will be provided, or you may bring in your own beauties. The day usually includes a visit to the botanical exhibit in the Library and to the Garden, if weather permits. All drawing levels welcome. A supply list will be provided. Bring a lunch. Private Tours of Magnificent Magnolias $8 per person (in addition to regular admission) The Garden invites you to schedule a private walking tour during this special time of Magnificent Magnolias for your group of 10 or more people. Garden tours last about one and a half hours and are led by knowledgeable volunteer docents. Larger groups will be split into smaller groups with visitors per docent.

6 Media sponsors include KQED Public Broadcasting, San Francisco Chronicle, and San Francisco Magazine. San Francisco Botanical Garden, located in Golden Gate Park with entrances on 9 th Ave at Lincoln Way and on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive off the Music Concourse, is open 365 days a year at 7:30 AM. Last entry changes with the seasons as follows: 5 PM October early November; 4 PM 1 st Sunday in November January; 5 PM February early March; 6 PM 2 nd Sunday in March September. Admission for San Francisco residents (with proof of residence, e.g., CA ID with SF address, or photo ID and utility bill) is FREE. Admission for non-residents is $8 general, $6 youth and seniors; $2 children 5-11; children 4 and under FREE. Families of 2 adults and one or more child pay just $18. Admission is FREE to all visitors daily from 7:30 to 9 AM, as well as the second Tuesday of every month. The public should call (415) or visit for more information. SFBGS members receive free admission and discounts on fee-based programs and local nurseries. About San Francisco Botanical Garden Located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Botanical Garden is a sanctuary of natural beauty and tranquility dedicated to educating children and adults, cultivating community, and displaying and preserving the planet s biodiversity. With over 8,500 different kinds of plants from around the world, including many that are rare and endangered, it is possible to travel the world in the Garden s 55 acres. Welcoming nearly 450,000 annual visitors, the Garden brings the community together to marvel, to learn, to find respite in nature and to celebrate Earth s beauty and the interconnectedness of all living things. Seasonal highlights include the magnificent Magnolia collection, the most significant for conservation purposes outside China; the unique Mesoamerican, Andean and Southeast Asian Cloud Forest collections; and the California Native Garden and century old Redwood Grove. The Garden is operated through a partnership between the nonprofit San Francisco Botanical Garden Society and the City and County of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.