San Francisco Botanical Garden Announces Magnolia Bloom

San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco has announced the Annual Magnolia Bloom, considered a “not-to-be-missed floral spectacle as nearly 100 rare and historic magnolias at erupt in a fragrant riot of vibrant pink and white flowers”.

With trees reaching 80 feet, the blooming is at its peak from mid-January through March, and visitors to the garden can take advantage of free Magnolia Walk maps, docent-led tours, and special signage to celebrate and learn about these trees.

San Francisco Botanical Garden is home to a significant magnolia collection for conservation purposes outside China, where the majority of species originated. Its current collection includes 51 species and 33 cultivars, including prized examples 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 first garden 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 US in 1940. This magnolia still stands in the garden today.

The place is open every day, starting mid-January to March 2013. Tickets are free for San Francisco residents (with proof of residence), while non-residents pay from $2 to $7.