Magnolia globosa

Originally collected in Northern Burma. Rarely seen, either in gardens or nurseries, this Himalayan species lives up to its name with creamy-white, nodding, scented, globular flowers borne on stout felted stalks in June. The underside of the emerging foliage is densely covered in gingery-golden hair. Best in a sheltered site, it will make a fully hardy large shrub or even a small tree given time. Related to M. wilsonii, M. sieboldii etc.