Magnolia soulangeana Meganolia

The Meganolia Magnolia is a recent hybrid variety, remarkable for the size of its flowers that remain on the bush for several weeks. Their extraordinary size, combined with their intense purple-pink color, make them a focal point in the garden. This deciduous bush, with its broad and beautiful green foliage, does not exceed 5m (16ft) in height and will find its place even in smaller gardens. Hardy, it should be planted in a sheltered location, protected from strong winds, in a sunny to partially shaded position, and in non-limestone soil that remains moist in summer. 

The Meganolia Magnolia is a horticultural creation. One of its parents, the Magnolia x soulangeana, has produced numerous ornamental varieties. This genus is the most important in the Magnoliaceae family, of which there is only one other, the Liriodendron or tulip tree. These are very ancient plants that exhibit primitive characteristics, the most visible being the close resemblance between petals and sepals, which are therefore referred to as tepals.
Meganolia is a relatively slow-growing variety, at a rate of about 15cm (6in) per year, eventually forming a beautiful bush with a relatively spreading habit. Reaching a maximum height of 4.50m (15ft) to 5m (16ft) with a spread of approximately 3m (10ft) to 3.50m (11.5ft), it develops relatively slender branches, adorned with a beautiful light gray bark, which will provide a pleasant contrast in winter if the ground is covered with snow. In winter, enormous floral buds with a velvety surface appear. In March, they open into gigantic flowers, initially in the form of closed cups, which then open wider. The corolla, consisting of enormous tepals, can measure up to 30 cm (12in) in diameter! These extraordinary flowers are adorned with a vibrant purple-pink color, overshadowing other blooms in the garden. Appearing before the leaves and borne on the tips of the branches, they remain captivating until around April. The foliage emerges in April, initially a light green with a slight bronze tint, quickly turning into a vibrant green. It is relatively abundant, with large leaves about twenty centimetres long, having a wide oval shape that tapers to a point at the tip. They have numerous and distinct veins.
This exceptional variety has the advantage of flowering relatively quickly, even on young plants. Hardy down to -23°C once well established, it is somewhat sensitive to windy conditions and should therefore be planted in a sheltered location.

This Meganolia Magnolia is one of those exceptional plants, capable of enchanting even the smallest garden on its own. Few plants can rival it when it reaches its full flowering. However, as this only lasts a few weeks, it may be wise to incorporate it into a flower bed to enjoy a succession of blooms. Consider combining it with Viburnum bodnantense Dawn which will perfume your winter with its small pink flowers grouped in clusters. This generous Viburnum will also reward you with sumptuous autumn colours. To follow on from the Magnolia, a Japanese Dogwood such as the Cornus kousa Schmetterling will be perfect. Its abundant and graceful flowering, in the form of white bracts resembling butterflies, will console you for the disappearance of the large Meganolia flowers. And if you are truly fond of extraordinary blooms, adopt a Paniculate Hydrangea like 'Hercules', aptly named, with inflorescences forming huge white cones that can reach a length of 35cm (14in)!