Hot Flash Yellow Magnolia

Magnolia ‘Hot Flash’ is a deciduous magnolia hybrid with upright growth and large, deep yellow flowers marked by a pink flush at the base of each tepal. The flowers open with the new leaves in spring, bringing a vivid, warm-toned display to a sunny lawn or spacious border. ## Flowering and form Trees and Shrubs Online records the parentage as Magnolia × brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ crossed with M. ‘Elizabeth’. It describes flowers up to about 12.5 cm across and characterizes Hot Flash as a fast-growing, upright small tree selected by August Kehr in 1992. The University of Minnesota’s magnolia guide notes that magnolias are used as landscape trees and shrubs and recommends a sheltered planting site to reduce wind damage; late-flowering cultivars can help avoid frost injury. ## Site Plant in full sun for best flowering, with protection from strong winds. Well-drained soil and steady moisture support establishment and flowering; magnolias benefit from deep watering during dry spells and a mulch layer that moderates soil temperature. Trees and Shrubs Online rates Hot Flash for USDA Zones 5–8. Early flowers can still be exposed to damaging late frosts, so a sheltered position is useful in colder or exposed gardens. ## Maintenance Water deeply while establishing and during extended dry weather, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply organic mulch over the root zone without piling it against the trunk. Avoid routine pruning; remove damaged or crossing branches after flowering if needed, since pruning can reduce the next display.