Tulip magnolia

This magnificent flowering tree produces goblet-shaped blooms that light up the garden in late winter and spring. These deciduous trees can vary in shape and size from 7-metre-plus specimens to more compact varieties such as ‘Vulcan’ and ‘Genie’ that are perfect for contemporary gardens. Flower colours range from pure white through to wine red. The size of blooms also varies hugely with the locally bred variety ‘Atlas’ said to have the largest magnolia flower in the world, a massive 35cm-wide lilac pink bloom. Make sure you give these beautiful trees plenty of space, shelter from strong winds and full sun, but ideally with their roots shaded from the heat.