Thursday, June 12, 2014

Favourite Plant of the Week - Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei

As I was watering the garden this evening I caught glimpse of the Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei growing on the raised in front of the jungle hut and saw that it was flowering...


Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei

and then I noticed the gorgeous scent coming from it.

Knowing how short lived Magnolia blooms can be, this one being no exception I immediately grabbed the camera to capture photos of this fleeting beauty before it becomes too late.


Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei

This magnolia is a dwarf form of the tall and big leafed species and flowers even at a small size. Ours started flowering at just a foot in height which is quite an exceptional character especially compared to the species and other big leafed magnolias. Since then it has bloomed for us every year.


Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei

Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei

I'm loving the way it has grown and looks at the moment, looking more like a standard or even a parasol, jutting out of the raised bed, looking very exotic, and commanding attention whenever we pass by this area.


Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei

Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei

If space is limited and you fancy growing one of the big leafed magnolias then this is the one to go for.

Magnolia macrophylla subsp. ashei - our favourite plant of the week!

We join Loree of Danger Garden in celebrating our favourite plant of the week.

Mark :-)

24 comments :

  1. Replies
    1. Yep! And if only I can attach some of the fragrance to the post Deanne!

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  2. You guys really love any plant with the epithet MACRO. That would be a fab plant even without the flowers :-)

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    1. Yep! Perhaps one to add to your garden Don :)

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  3. It's great that your Magnolias are short enough to allow appreciation of the flower. I can only see mine when I crane my neck.

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    1. The flower is right at the top Kris, I had to stand on the edge of the raised bed when I took the photos of the bloom :)

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  4. Part of me wonders if I had to do it all over again would I chose thins one or stick with our straight Magnolia macrophylla?

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    1. Clifford is a stunner Loree, can't imagine your garden without him :)

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  5. The blooms are beautiful on the Magnolia and you got a perfect shot of yours. It's always nice to have a few flowering things and that is definitely a good choice.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

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    1. Indeed Cher :) I just wish the blooms lasted longer than it does now.

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  6. It's gorgeous and that fragrance is so intoxicating I can almost smell it all the way over here.

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    1. If only we can attach some of its fragrance on this post Peter :)

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  7. So, SO glamorous! I'm thinking Georgia O'Keeffe and would seriously love one for the hot border here. Although as the Cordyline australis tree is flowering and perfuming the air, perhaps too much scent might be a bit tart's boudoir! It's an amazing cultivar, those leaves look like they belong on a banana tree!

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    1. Georgia O'Keeffe, fab artist Caro! The Cordyline's bloom scent is very heady isn't it? I'm still not sure whether I like it or not.

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  8. Wow, this is not called macrophylla for nothing! I wish I had room for a magnolia. Are there truly dwarf cultivars?

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    1. Yes there is Gerhard, of the big leafed Magnolias :) As far as I'm aware of this is the only one, for now...

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  9. What a charming plant, it looks rather tropical with the big leaves. The fragrance is really a plus, my one magnolia, Rustica Rubra, doesn't have any. Blooming at one foot, that's hard to imagine!

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    1. I'm amazed up to now that it bloomed at one foot Hannah :) With its big leaves it does look very tropical.

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  10. Yes, a parasol...and one any proper lady would be proud to carry. It looks spectacular in your garden.

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  11. Mmmm... I may have to buy this plant some day now that I´ve seen yours...

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  12. That is a very beautiful magnolia. I love the large leaves. One to keep in mind...

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