Magnolia Big Dude

A crass name for an unusual hybrid magnolia bred in the USA, Magnolia Big Dude is a medium-sized, very cold-hardy, deciduous tree of average vigour, with an upright, spreading, vase-shaped habit, tending to become multi-stemmed over time. The mid-green leaves have paler undersides. In spring, before the tree comes into leaf, the plant carries huge, tulip-shaped, lightly fragrant, pink flowers flushed purple, paler pink inside. These are so large that the flowers flop over and hang down, allowing a view of the fascinating inside of the flower. The flowers are followed by cone-shaped crimson-pink fruits. Magnolia Big Dude needs minimal pruning; prune at midsummer only if necessary.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: April in particular
Hardiness: Very hardy, but flowers can suffer in late frosts
Height: 26’ (8m) Spread: in 10-20 years

Photo by Liz West, cropped, and licensed under CC BY 2.0.