Magnolia grandiflora ferruginea

Distinguished from the type by the dusty red indumentum on the underside of the leaves. It is an evergreen tree with huge glossy leaves and large, fragrant, white flowers appearing from mid to late summer.

Position in sun to partial shade. Happy on all soils including chalk. Can be grown as a wall shrub or a free standing tree and could reach 6-7 metres in this country but can be pruned and kept smaller.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.