Magnolia Heaven Scent

The Magnolia 'Heaven Scent' is a stunning small deciduous tree with a slow growth rate, pyramidal and curved habit. In early spring, it offers an unforgettable sight with a profusion of large bright pink flowers with pale pink hearts that resemble narrow tulips. This hybrid variety bears flowers biennially from a young age, even before its light green foliage emerges. It deserves a special place in the garden but should be protected from cold winds that could damage its early flowering. The tree thrives in moist soil, in full sun or partial shade, without too much limestone.

This beautiful Magnolia is a hybrid of horticultural origin that was first obtained in 1955 in California, United States. It resulted from cross-breeding between M. veitchii and M. 'Lennei Alba', belonging to the magnolia family. The Magnolia 'Heaven Scent' forms a small tree with a central leader and slightly erect branches taller than wide. At maturity, it reaches a height of about 4 metres (13 feet 1 inch) and a width of 2 metres feet 7 inches) with rapid growth. The foliage is deciduous, comprised of light green and oval-shaped leaves with pointed tips, measuring 10 to 15 cm (3.9 to 5.9 inches) in length. This variety produces flowers from the age of 2 or 3 years. The large solitary flowers bloom from March to April before the appearance of the leaves. They are narrow and tall, in the shape of cups, measuring 12 to 15 cm (4.7 to 5.9 inches). These flowers open from buds that are protected by silky bracts and are formed by 10 to 15 waxy and thick tepals (indistinguishable sepals and petals), slightly incurved, with a bright pink colour with magenta at the base on the outside, and very pale pink on the inside. They gradually open in a star shape around a heart of numerous yellow stamens.

Magnolias are ornamental trees that thrive in small gardens and large parks. It is often used as a standalone specimen in the middle of a lawn, where its remarkable flowering is most effective. You can also pair it with other interesting shrubs at different times of the year, such as maple, roses, Hibiscus syriacus, Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis', or Cornus kousa Satomi. Additionally, it blends well with acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, camellias, hydrangeas, nandinas, and peonies, making it perfect for a Japanese-style garden. You can also create beautiful flowering hedges along pathways by alternating this magnolia with other cultivars like Magnolia grandiflora or Magnolia denudata. As its root system is not dangerous for foundations, it can be planted against a house wall.

Magnolias are considered ancient trees, with fossils dating back over 20 million years. Their magnificent flowering is considered one of the most primitive, as they are evolutionarily close to the first existing flowers. The bark of magnolias is also believed to possess medicinal properties and is used in cosmetics. Additionally, their wood is considered precious.