An initially confusing name for a very beautiful small, deciduous tree, bearing large goblet shaped blooms of an arresting deep colour. Underplant with contrasting bulbs (deep blue muscari or pale narcissus perhaps) for a show-stopping display!
One of the smaller growing magnolias, more suitable for a town garden, in full sun or light shade, with some protection from drying winds (though the flowers stand up better than other x soulangeana hybrids with less sturdy flowers – this is a cross, I believe, with ‘Vulcan’). Would be fine too in a large container (loamy soil, mixed with a little ericaceous compost, as prefers ever so slightly acidic soil conditions).
Just a few weeks and my favourite example of this magnolia, at RHS Wisley, will be in full flower (mid April) and I shall be there with my camera again. Not to be confused with the tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera.
The Teddington Gardener 