Magnolia grandiflora

This magnificent and easily distinguished evergreen magnolia is very different from the spring-flowering types. Magnolia grandiflora boasts massive, leather-like, deep glossy foliage with velvety, copper undersides which will provide interest in your garden all year round. A slow-growing variety that will gradually form a very large, rounded tree that makes a superb free-standing specimen or can be trained against a warm, sunny wall. Enormous, bowl-like blooms, measuring up to 25cm in diameter, will burst into bloom in late summer to autumn. Sturdy, cream petals unfurl to reveal luxurious flowers with a heavenly honey and lemon fragrance which contrast beautifully against the deep green leaves. Eye-catching seed pods will follow the flowers, providing a second season of colour and interest. Surprisingly, unlike other varieties, this magnolia will cope well in more alkaline, chalky soils. Height: Over 12m (39ft). Spread: Over 8m (26ft).