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 saucers 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.