Hello friends! Today I will compare two marvelous magnolias growing in my garden for many years.
QUICK ANSWER: The main difference between Magnolia Vulcan and Black Tulip is the color. Black Tulip has dark red flowers while Vulcan flowers are light red.
1. Color
The color of the flowers of both magnolias is gorgeous, but Vulcan has lighter flowers. Its color can be described as a deep red with a pinkish tint.
At the same time, Black Tulip has dark red flowers that are almost burgundy. Sometimes the flowers can have a purple tint.
2. Flowers
Vulcan has noticeably larger flowers that easily reach 8 inches across and even more. Their shape is more open and resembles a saucer. Due to the shape, the flowers have a larger diameter.
Black Tulip has smaller flowers that usually do not exceed 6 inches across. Their shape is reminiscent of tulip flowers, that is, the petals are almost closed at the top.
Another difference is that Black Tulip blooms in late winter or early spring, while Vulcan blooms closer to mid-spring. In addition, Black Tulip, unlike Vulcan, has a tendency to re-bloom in the second half of summer, although this does not happen often.
3. Size
Vulcan is larger in size and can reach 25 feet in height. The crown shape is upright. The width is usually no more than 15-20 feet.
Black Tulip reaches a height of 15 feet, very rarely 20 feet. At the same time, the width is no more than 10-12 feet. The growth form is also upright.
4. Fragrance
Because Vulcan is a rather large tree, it produces more flowers, which in turn emit more scent. During the flowering period, you can clearly smell the pleasant aroma of its flowers. The aroma is not very strong, but noticeable.
Black Tulip usually produces fewer flowers, the smell of which is almost imperceptible. When it is in bloom, its scent is not felt in the garden at all. Only when you put your face close to one of the flowers you can feel a light pleasant aroma.
Pros and Cons
Let’s talk a little about the pros and cons of both trees
Vulcan
- Pro: A large tree that provides a lot of flowers and is suitable for large gardens.
- Pro: Has a more pronounced scent.
- Pro: Large beautiful flowers.
- Pro: More resistant to disease.
- Con: Requires quite a bit of space.
- Con: Caring for it is a little more troublesome.
Black Tulip
- Pro: Compact size.
- Pro: Unusual flower shape.
- Pro: Rich dark red color of flowers.
- Pro: Tends to reblooming.
- Pro: Easy to care for.
- Con: Lack of odor.
- Con: Prone to damage by late frosts.
