Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei

This is a smaller growing wild form of the Big Leaf Magnolia from the S.E. USA, which makes a large shrub with big, papery foliage, white on the underside and huge, maroon-blotched, fragrant white flowers in summer. This subspecies flowers at a young age. At its best with some shelter for the big leaves. Rarely seen here in the UK, though very hardy.