Magnolia officinalis var. biloba

Rarely seen or offered, this hardy Chinese species has striking large paddle shaped leaves up to 50cm long, glaucous beneath, distinctly bum-shaped with a deep notch at the apex. Flowers in early summer with parchment-white, red-centred fragrant blooms borne at the end of the shoots. Attractive red cones of seed are an added bonus in autumn, when the leaves turn to rich russet tones. The foliage tends to be held in whorls at the end of the shoots, offering a rather prehistoric demeanor, which is of course the case; Magnolias are truly ancient, evolving before bees etc.

£50.00