Magnolia Soulangeana (Tulip Magnolia)

Not quite your typical Magnolia. In spring, the tulip shaped flowers burst from dark burgundy buds. So far, so Magnolia. But the subtle interior paleness of the lighter-purple goblets, ever so slightly flared and curled as they are, gives a wonderful dichromatic display. You’ll get a generous show of these blooms before they tumble, slowly and softly... Don’t mourn: it’s the inevitable bargain familiar to all Magnolia lovers. And we do love this one.

This is an even more enchanting form of the classic, deciduous tulip-flowered magnolia. A bushy and upright small tree which can be kept shrubby if required. Regardless of form, in the spring the buds will emerge like clockwork with deep purple petals. Can reach 2.5m in height.

The foliage, when it follows, clusters bashfully at the base of the blooms before expanding to clothe the tawny branches quite densely. The leaves are richly glossy with tear-dropped tips and a pale midrib. They have a delicate, subtle veining with a lighter underside.

Fully hardy and happy on most soils except chalk in sun to partial shade. Choose a position sheltered from the north.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.