Plant du jour…

Magnolia x soulangeana.

Once the furry ‘mouse ears’ that protect the petals of this stunning shrub fall to the ground, beautiful raspberry ripple coloured lipsticks appear in abundance across the plant. These are best viewed against a clear, crisp blue sky at this time of the year.

As the spring days roll on by, these beautiful flowers open into stunning goblets, before falling confetti-like to the ground below.

Author: Mike the Gardener

Freelance gardening writer, consultant and designer. Mike Palmer is a passionate and professional plantsman, offering services in garden writing, consultancy and garden design. Mike is also available for garden and plant related talks and presentations. Mike has been a professional horticulturalist for over fifteen years. View all posts by Mike the Gardener