Magnolia grandiflora Goliath

The Magnolia grandiflora 'Goliath' is a variety with larger flowers than the botanical species. Its impressive white cup-shaped flowers can reach 30 cm (12 in) in diameter! Moreover, they are highly fragrant and bloom throughout the summer for our pleasure. This small tree with relatively slow growth forms a regular pyramid with moderate dimensions, suitable for small gardens.

Magnolia is a member of the small Magnoliaceae family, to which it gave its name, which also includes Tulip Trees (Liriodendron, tall trees with beautiful tulip-shaped flowers). Native to the Southeastern United States, the Magnolia grandiflora likes light, heat, humidity, and rich, deep, preferably non-alkaline soils. Its range extends from Texas to Virginia, through the northern and central parts of Florida. 

The 'Goliath' variety was selected in 1910 in a nursery on the island of Guernsey before being introduced to England and then to Europe. Smaller in size than the species, this Magnolia will reach about 6 to 8 m (20 to 26 ft) in height, maximum 10 m (33 ft), with a spread of 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft), allowing it to fit into most gardens. This small tree with rather slow growth forms a beautiful evergreen pyramid, with the classic foliage of the species, dark green and glossy on the upper side, but with less pronounced rusty brown on the underside. It is remarkable for the size of its flowers, which appear on relatively young specimens (usually after 3 years). Highly fragrant, they appear from June to late August or September, succeeding each other on the tree and perfuming the garden. The fruits that follow are conical, green-pink in color, composed of scales that separate to reveal red seeds.

Very hardy, this variety can tolerate temperatures down to about -20°C (1°F) in well-drained soil and is generally not susceptible to diseases or insects.

The Magnolia grandiflora 'Goliath' will certainly find its place as a standalone tree, but also in a bed where it will serve as a background element. To create an impressive display, why not create a scene with XXL summer blooms? In the foreground, clumps of Hibiscus moscheutos with their single, brightly colored flowers, larger than a hand, will inevitably attract attention. The second layer could be formed by the remarkable Buddleja davidii Gulliver with its huge mauve-lilac inflorescences, reaching up to 30 cm (12in) in length, as well as the Hydrangea paniculata Hercules with its oversized white panicles (up to 40 cm (16in) long). A spectacular scene that will delight children during the summer!