Magnolia grandiflora ‘Goliath’

An old favourite in the UK, this form of an American classic has broad foliage with an undulating edge and gingery-brown undersides, with globular, creamy-white, highly scented flowers, opening up to 30cm across over a long period, from July to November. Hardy and tolerant of acid or alkaline soil, this makes a drought tolerant small tree that's best in full sun. In the North of the UK this flowers better against a warm wall, though doesn't need such treatment in the South.