Magnolia Black Tulip, a hybrid raised by Mark Jury in New Zealand and released in 1998. It was selected out of 150 seedlings that were grown from a cross between Magnolia Vulcan and Magnolia Iolanthe. The colour of the flower is an exceptionally dark ruby-red, with a large goblet shaped blossom.
The foliage is dark green and the leaves are notably pubescent to the touch (with fine hairs) on both the upper and lower surfaces. It grows vigorously and will become a slender, plight, medium-sized tree, which will flower from a young age.
Magnolia Iolanthe is a cross between M Mark Jury and M x soulangeana Lennei. Busy family tree!
And Black Tulip one of my favourite magnolias. There will be a young specimen in flower at RHS Wisley, under-planted with an extensive carpet of pale narcissus, that is a glory. The under-planting does however get in the way of coming up close and personal with the mature flowers, which is a shame.
Magnolia blossom all around has exploded into glamorous swathes of white, pale and deeper pinks. I must find time to get down to the Hillier Gardens as their displays will be exceptional.
The Teddington Gardener 