Standard Magnolia grandiflora

The Standard Magnolia grandiflora is a clear-stemmed specimen of Magnolia grandiflora ‘Gallissoniere’, grown as a standard tree with a dense, broadly conical crown. This is one of the most magnificent evergreen trees available for UK gardens, combining large, glossy foliage with huge, fragrant white flowers through summer.

The leaves are large, leathery, and intensely glossy on their upper surface, with an attractive rusty-brown felt on the underside. They are held year-round, providing bold, architectural evergreen structure. From June through to September, enormous, creamy-white, bowl-shaped flowers open — up to 25cm across — filling the surrounding area with a rich, sweet, citrus-like fragrance. Each flower lasts several days before the petals fall, and new buds continue to open throughout the summer months.

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Gallissoniere’ is one of the hardiest cultivars of this species and flowers reliably from a young age — both qualities that set it apart from seed-raised plants. It prefers a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of some lime in the soil. An outstanding specimen tree for sheltered gardens, courtyards, and south- or west-facing positions.