Kate and Robert Bartlett Magnolia Collection

Kate and Robert Bartlett Magnolia Collection

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The Bartlett family has continued their interest in the Arboretum and their contributions to the collections established by F. A. Bartlett more than 100 years ago. One of the early plantings was a Southern magnolia (M. grandiflora), which Bartlett planted next to the Homestead. It had giant white flowers and evergreen leaves. It suffered damage, probably due to marginal hardiness, and was removed in 1979.

Robert Bartlett Jr. has maintained a kee interest in magnolias and has provided the Arboretum with several new hybrids in recent years. The collection has grown to more than 40 cultivars of magnificent star magnolias (M. stellata), Chinese magnolias (M. sinensis), and saucer magnolias (M. x soulangeana).

This collection can be found along the entranceway (nicknamed the Magnolia Drive), as well as next to and across from the Silver Education Center.