The blooms of a Japanese Magnolia are one of the most uplifting sights to see in winter. A blooming Japanese Magnolia is a horticultural groundhog, indicating winter is just about done for the year.
More often than not, when Japanese Magnolias bloom around town, it's fairly safe to say we are well on our way to springtime.
Taxonomy indicates this particular plant is a hybrid, or a cross, of two species within the same genera.
The blossoms tend to open during mild winter days. There is always the looming fear of a frost during the time when the blooms are open. If this happens, the flowers can develop frost damage and fall off.