Magnolia Macrophylla

Bigleaf magnolia is one of the most spectacular foliage trees, carrying pale green leaves that may approach a metre in length and flash silvery grey beneath in the wind. Mature trees produce enormous fragrant, creamy white cup-shaped flowers with a deep crimson-purple blotch at the base, followed by cone-like fruits displaying red seeds. Native to the south-eastern United States, it needs shelter for its giant leaves and flower buds. Given space, moisture and neutral to acidic soil, it becomes an unforgettable specimen with an almost prehistoric presence.