These magnolias are top favourites
GARDENING
by
Mike Lusty
Deciduous magnolias can have either straplike or star-shaped flowers, or tulip flowers. The former group includes the well known Magnolia stellata and its forms, M. kobus and M. salicifolia.
Magnolias with flowers which are cup-shaped include M. denudata and M. sieboldii, and M. soulangeana and its
many forms. Magnolia stellata flowers in late winter to early spring, well before the appearance of its leaves. An established shrub may become virtually smothered in bloom. The first flowering usually occurs about three years after planting, although advanced specimens can be obtained already in bud. This shrub grows to a moderate height, but may become somewhat broader than its height. A number of forms have flowers which are pink in the bud, and also have more fragrance. M. soulangeana, actually a hybrid between M. denudata and M. lilifora, was raised in France. This is quite the most widely grown magnolia of the genus. The white-to-pink or purplish-red flowers rank in the top bracket of the most stunningly attractive, commonly
grown, hardy trees and shrubs. They appear before the leaf buds are fully open, and can make a breath-takingly beautifully sight against a clear blue sky. The growth tendency is somewhat more towards spread than height, which is in the region of 4 to 6m. The form Lennei is one of the best, with its large, gob-let-like, creamy white blooms, slight scent, and outstanding quality.
M. sieboldii is still sometimes listed under parviflora. This intermittently summer flowering species produces pure white, fragrant blooms. It is also inclined to spread. The fruit provides an additional highlight, with its light crimson colour and scarlet seeds which are revealed when it splits open. This is not intended to be more than a brief resume of some of the
more readily obtainable magnolias. For those who seek additional selections, a trip round the various nurseries, including those out of Christ-
church is bound to produce many others. You may find a few less common but highly desirable ones, as well as a few real specials.
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Bibliographic details
Press, 10 July 1987, Page 14
Word Count
346These magnolias are top favourites Press, 10 July 1987, Page 14
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