SF’s Magnificent Blooming Magnolias
One of San Francisco’s most breathtaking natural marvels, the annual bloom of nearly 100 rare and historic magnolias with trees reaching 80 feet, is typically at its peak from mid-January through March at the SF Botanical Garden.
2018 Update: First Blooms are Here! Peak in Early Feb – As of January 31st more an more Magnolias are blooming every day. With above average temps and no rain, this should make for an epic Magnolisa season. Check Facebook for updates.
Velvety silver buds on the often bare branches of these elegant trees, many rare and historic, open into dazzling pink, magenta, and white flowers, filling the wintery garden with dramatic splashes of color and sweetly fragrant scents.
Are the magnolias blooming right now? Please note that weather may affect the blooms and at the beginning or end of the season, there may be fewer blooms than expected.
> Magnolia Tip: Always check the SF Botanical Gardens on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter before heading out for the latest updates on how things are blooming.
Annual Magnolia Bloom | 2018
San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park near 9th and Irving
Mid January – Late March (approx)
– Opens daily at 7:30am
– Last Entry February through 2nd Saturday in March – 5pm
– Last Entry @nd Sunday in March through September – 6pmAnnual Magnolia Plant Sale
Saturday, March 3: Magnolias & Companion Plants
From 10 am-1 pm in the Entry Garden near the Main Gate and BookstoreFree Docent-Led Tours
– Daily; 1:30 pm at Main Gate
– Saturday & Sunday; 2 pm at Friend (North) Gate
– Saturdays, Now–August; 2 pm Wild Flowers tour at Friend (North) Gate
– Bird Walk: first Sunday of every month: 8 am at Main Gate
– There are also $25 dedicated Magnolia tours on Jan 20, Feb 17, and Mar 10th at 11 am.FREE for SF residents with proof of ID
FREE daily from 7:30-9 am
FREE all day on second Tuesdays of the month
$8 Non-residents | Discounts for Seniors, Families & Children
Visitors to the garden can pick up a free Magnolia Highlights Map at the visitor services kiosk to help you tour and identify the highlights of their collection. The map corresponds to pink identification signs that will be placed throughout the Garden. Download a Magnolia Map.
San Francisco Botanical Garden is home to the most significant magnolia collection for conservation purposes outside China, where the majority of species originated. Its current collection includes 51 species and 33 cultivars including many prized examples from Asia.
