Leo Schofield

Writer, restaurant critic, arts festival director and cultural affairs aficionado Favourite bloom: Magnolia grandiflora

“Form, foliage and flower… Magnolia grandiflora ticks all three boxes, with the added bonus of a ravishing perfume. The creamy petals have the softness of kid leather, but it’s the fresh and intoxicating lemony scent that clinches it for me. As to displays, it’s perfect as it is and has no need to share a vase with lesser specimens, although a few of its glossy green leaves – with undersides like khaki felt – do set off this flower beautifully.”