Magnolia x soulangeana

Common name: Tulip Tree Magnolia

Description: This magnificent deciduous magnolia produces spectacular tulip-shaped flowers that create a breathtaking display from mid to late spring. The large, upright blooms measure 15-20cm across and feature 9 thick, fleshy petals in creamy-white or pale yellow with prominent purple or pink markings at the base, resembling exotic tulips. The flowers appear on bare branches before the foliage emerges, creating maximum visual impact. Each bloom has a subtle, pleasant fragrance. After flowering, large, distinctive leaves unfold - they are broadly oval with a unique squared or notched tip that gives them an unusual silhouette. The foliage turns clear butter-yellow in autumn before falling. This magnolia forms a stately, upright tree with smooth grey bark and a pyramidal to rounded crown. Whilst it eventually becomes a substantial tree, growth is relatively slow in youth, and the tree flowers when still quite young. This is an outstanding specimen tree that provides architectural form and seasonal drama.

Other benefits: spectacular large flowers, distinctive foliage with unusual shape, attractive autumn colour, architectural form, flowers when relatively young, long-lived specimen

Wildlife attraction: bees, other pollinators; mature trees provide nesting sites for birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 4m x 2.5m (eventually much larger)

Position: best in full sun to partial shade; requires space to develop; shelter from strong winds beneficial

Soil pH: prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil; avoid shallow chalky soils

Moisture: moderate to high moisture requirements; prefers deep, moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; avoid waterlogging and prolonged drought

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -20°C; flowers may be damaged by late frosts