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Magnolia kobus
A small-medium tree species magnolia with white flowers held upright and opening only partly before the tepals (petals) fall. M. kobus is one species that will grow happily on alkaline soils, although, along with all magnolias, it abhors dry conditions.
Magnolia denudata
Magnolia denudata is one of the earliest magnolias to flower, and thus susceptible to frost. Long cultivated in its native China, this magnolia was planted outside monasteries as a symbol of purity. The white flowers are held upright on bare branches and M. dendudata is definitely worth seeking out. Eventually 8.0-10.0m (25-35ft) tall and spreading tree, make sure that you provide enough room for this special treasure.
M. x soulangeana
M. x soulangeana is one of the most popular magnolias and the plant most commonly associated with magnolias. A very old hybrid, a cross between M. denudata and M. liliflora made in the 1820's in Europe, the rounded blooms giving rise to the name 'cup and saucer magnolia'. It will attain 8.0m (25ft) in time and 4.5m (15ft) wide, and is a major feature in many spring gardens.
There are some lovely cultivars available. 'Lennei' is purplish pink outside and paler within, 'Lennei Alba' is pure white, 'Rustica Rubra' is rose red outside and pink and white inside, and 'San Jose' is maroon-pink outside, fading to a ruddy pink.
Another, smallish magnolia that will flower while young is M. x loebneri 'Leonard Messel' bears a mass of pink-cerise star-like flower early in the season. It flowers from a young age and is smaller than its parents, eventually becoming quite a large tree. One of the huge advantages of this magnolia is that flowering lasts several weeks and the blooms are undeterred by frost.
M x loebneri
M x loebneri 'Merrill' is white and both should find a home in your garden. Both of these plants are hybrids of M. stellata.
M. liliflora
A large shrub that carries lovely, narrow chalice-shaped blooms on bare wood in early spring, M. liliflora continues to flower intermittently through the summer, although the flowers are less striking once the leaves develop.
Almost wider than it is high M. liliflora needs space, so infill with perennial and other plants that can be moved elsewhere as the magnolia matures. Amongst the loveliest are M. l. 'Nigra' (deep purple-pink) and 'Susan' (dark maroon).
M. stellata
The star magnolia, M. stellata, is deservedly popular and has given us some lovely small magnolias that will fit into even the tiniest garden. Becoming a tall shrub, the many branches will carry hundreds of starry flowers in early spring. You can choose from 'Waterlily' (the most floriferous), 'King Rose', 'Royal Star', and 'Rosea', a blush pink.
Plant in cool position where you can appreciate the tangled star flowers in spring. Underplanting with early spring bulbs (narcissi, muscari, aconites, snowdrops etc.) will enhance the white or blush flowers. For later interest you can plant arums or hostas for lovely foliage.
Magnolias for Every Garden
There is a magnolia for almost every garden, no matter how small. They are a treasure, a garden plant that will reward for years to come.
Choose your magnolia carefully, seeking out flowering plants in public gardens, and plant giving space for development and, with good after-care, be assured of a stunning results.
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Magnolia denudata
Magnolia s. x 'Rustica Rubra'
Magnolia s. x 'Lennei Alba'
Magnolia x s. 'San Jose'
Magnolia 'Leonard Messel'
Magnolia lilaflora 'Susan'
Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily'
Magnolia stellata 'King Rose' | |
