Magnolia delavayi
This evergreen Chinese species makes a spreading tree, usually with a flat top, but is otherwise quite similar in appearance to M.grandiflora. In the wild it grows in rocky sandstone or limestone areas, which accounts for the fact that it is tolerant of chalky soils. Depending on the conditions in which it is growing, it will eventually make a good-sized tree, with beautiful, cup-shaped, creamy white, slightly scented flowers, to 20cm (8in) across, during late spring and summer. The mainly elliptic to ovate, leathery leaves, 13–20cm (5–8in) long, are dull green on the upper side, and greyish coloured and downy underneath.
Cultivation Grow in sun or partial shade. Does best when sheltered from strong wind, because of its large leaves. Prefers fertile soil, but tolerates chalk.
Height to 9m (30ft); spread to 6m (20ft). USZ 8–11, surviving -12°C (10°F) of overnight frost occasionally. Needs water in summer.