MAGNIFICENT MAGNOLIAS

A magnolia shrub in full bloom is one of the glories of spring, whether it’s a mature tree festooned with large cup-shaped flowers or a compact shrub smothered in starry blossom. At a time when the rest of the garden is stirring into life with emerging spring flowers, bulbs and perennials, the magnolia is putting on a stunning display in colours that range from purest white through creams and yellows to every shade of pink, rich reds and purples. Magnolias are among our most ancient plants, with fossil records dating back a hundred million years. Because they predate the arrival of bees and other flying insects, they’re pollinated by beetles and are generally untroubled by pests – although it’s said they were once grazed by dinosaurs!

Deciduous options

The majority of spring-flowering magnolias are deciduous. Most frequently planted are the spreading soulangeanas and the bushy stellata varieties. Soulangeana comes in many different flower colours and grows well in most urban environments and soil types, but it can outgrow smaller spaces. For compact gardens, the more petite and delicate Japanese Magnolia stellata is perfect, and can also be grown in containers. If you want something a bit different, then ‘Pinkie’ is medium-sized with rosy pink flowers, while ‘Margaret Helen’ is a large upright shrub with deep-rose-pink flowers.

Evergreen choice

There are also now a number of spring-flowering evergreens that provide more cheery colour throughout the year, and are particularly good for wall-training.The Fairy range is one example and these are perfect for growing in pots. In really cold winters, they may shed their leaves.

Magnolias are perfect for bringing a spectacular hit of colour to city gardens