The Magnolia Grandiflora tree has huge velvety creamy white flowers that give off a lemon scent which is quite sublime. Evergreen glossy green leaves with a felted brown underneath are equally magnificent. It is hardy but they thrive best against a tall wall, a house, or a fairly sheltered position. The flowers open over long periods from midsummer well into autumn.

The Grandiflora has a wonderful display of flowers and a heady lemony fragrance. Slow growing and elegant they can be planted as specimen trees in towns and the country. They thrive against a high wall or façade of a house where the dreamy scent will float through windows on summer days.

They like the sun and neutral soil but will tolerate most soils provided it is humus rich. Manure or compost should be added to the soil before planting. Prune only to maintain. All trees benefit from weeds, mulch, and compost in spring. Grandiflora’s rate of growth and flowering is fairly slow, reaching an approximate height and spread of 9m x 5m / 30ft x 16ft but Exmouth is a newer variety and one no longer has such a wait for the exquisite flowers which bring such pleasure.