Magnolia grandiflora Ferruginea

The Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a variety of Magnolia with large flowers and moderate growth, distinguished by its bottle green foliage that is particularly glossy on the top, with a velvety rusty underside. Like the classic Tulip Tree, this beautiful evergreen tree is also appreciated for its long summer flowering, resembling large white-cream tulips, but with a delightful lemon scent. This variety seems to tolerate the presence of limestone in the soil, making it suitable for planting in many regions. It is also worth noting that its slow growth allows for cultivation in a large container for many years.

Native to the Southeastern United States, the Magnolia grandiflora thrives in light, heat, humidity, and rich, deep soils. Its range extends from Texas to Virginia, including northern and central Florida. 'Ferruginea' is a very hardy cultivar selected for its unique foliage. At maturity, this small tree will reach approximately 8m (26ft) in height and 4m (13ft) in spread. Its growth is fairly slow, although it quickly forms a trunk from which branches emerge to form a naturally widened conical-shaped tree. Flowering occurs on plants that are already 10 to 15 years old, mainly in summer from June to August-September (in the southeastern USA, flowering begins in late April and ends in July). The large solitary flowers, 15 to 25cm (6 to 10in) in diameter, are composed of thick, white-cream petals arranged around a cone covered in yellow stamens. Each flower only lasts for one day on the tree, but they continuously renew. This flowering is followed by the formation of large reddish cones, which are quite decorative and reveal red seeds. The evergreen leaves are alternate, simple, entire, leathery, and 15-20cm (1 and 6in) long. They are a dark olive green and glossy on the top, with reddish hairs on the underside, especially on young trees.

The Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is mainly used as a standalone tree in medium to large gardens, but can also be used in a free hedge. Choose a strategic location in the garden to admire this tree, perhaps the most beautiful of all evergreens, and enjoy its lemon-scented flowering. It could be paired, for example, with another large, deciduous magnolia with spring flowering, such as the Magnolia soulangeana. Note that the Magnolia is sensitive to sea spray but can tolerate the polluted atmosphere of urban areas.