Magnolia trees
Magnolia are iconic garden trees, prized for their large, distinctive, tulip or star-shaped blooms, often produced on bare stems in spring before the tree comes into leaf. Magnolia trees create an instant impact, as standalone specimen trees, incorporated into the border or grown in a large container on the patio. They’re available in a wide range of flower colours, spanning pure white, through lemon-yellow and various shades of pink, as well as different sizes ranging from compact trees for smaller gardens to taller growers that look majestic when given a larger space. They prefer a humus-rich soil in sunny or partially shaded, sheltered spot of the garden. Avoid planting them in frost pockets and ensure they are protected from strong winds because while magnolias are fully hardy, their flower buds may be damaged by harsh winter frosts. Minimal pruning required.