Magnolia grandiflora

Evergreen tree, usually branched from the ground. If it is allowed to grow spontaneously without pruning it will have a conical, spreading habit with quite sparse branches. If pruned every year, the plant becomes a pyramid, regular, impenetrable; when planted in a garden it will keep its shape and will become a majestic tree. Leaves: evergreen, very large, 12-15cm long, leathery, from oval to elongate, glossy dark green, very shiny on the upper side, tinted with russet on the underside. Flowers: only on 9-10 years old plants, very fragrant and very large, 20-25cm wide, pure white, made up of 3-12 fleshy, concave petals, which when open reveal a rich tuft of yellow stamens. They grow singly on the ends of the external branches, intermittently from early June to the end of summer. Fruit: ovoidal, reddish, grouped along a central axis at 10cm. When the fruit is ripe it opens to release bright red, fragrant seeds. Growing requirements: grows well in cool, acid, siliceous soil. Use: planted singly in all gardens, even medium ones if it is pruned.