Magnolia grandiflora Mont Blanc

Magnolia grandiflora 'Mont Blanc' will enchant enthusiasts of extraordinary flowering. This variety deserves all the superlatives with its enormous flowers, the largest of which can reach 40 cm in diameter, a record for this species. Perfectly highlighted by the dark foliage, they succeed each other throughout the summer, spreading a very pleasant fragrance in the surroundings. Can be grown as a bush or a small tree, with a conical to spherical silhouette, it is very suitable for small gardens.

Magnolia is a member of the Magnoliaceae family, which owes its name to it, and which also houses the superb Tulip Trees or Liriodendron, so named because of their tulip-shaped flowers. Rich in more than 100 species, the Magnolia genus includes deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, native to warm temperate regions of the globe. Magnolia grandiflora is a species naturally found in the United States, from North Carolina to Florida and Texas. It forms a magnificent 15 to 20 m tall tree with a more or less pyramidal habit. Its foliage is evergreen, consisting of elongated, 12 to 25 cm long, dark green leaves, shiny on the upper side, and covered with a reddish 'fur' on the lower side, intended to limit evaporation caused by the wind. The 15 to 22 cm size flowers, are never very numerous at one time and bloom in a staggered manner, followed by large cone-shaped fruits that open to reveal red seeds. Outside its natural geographical range, the tree reaches its full development in regions with a mild and humid climate.
The 'Mont Blanc' variety was presented at the Salon du Végétal in 2011, where it won a gold medal at the Innovert competition, which rewards the best new plant varieties. It combines several advantages, starting with its limited growth, which allows it to be enjoyed in gardens too small to accommodate the typical botanical species. This Magnolia is relatively compact, forming a bush or a small tree, reaching a maximum height of 4 to 8 m, with a spread of 3 to 5 m. It can even be pruned reasonably to limit its footprint if necessary. Its habit is more or less conical to spherical, taller than wide. The leaves are truly decorative with their dark green upper side. They are brownish-red on the underside and ovate, measuring 15 to 18 cm long and 8 to 13 cm wide. Their overall appearance and slightly wavy edge give the plant a touch of exoticism. This is reinforced when the first flowers appear in June, whose large size evokes the exuberance of the tropics. They are semi-double, consisting of petals and sepals that are so similar in morphology that they are encompassed in the term "tepals" and a bright white, further enhanced by the dark background of the foliage. These hermaphroditic flowers, with male and female sexual parts forming a small cone in the corolla, commonly measure 30 cm in diameter. In well-established mature plants, they can even reach up to 40 cm! Not only are they aesthetically pleasing with their cup-shaped form and extraordinary size, but they are also delightfully fragrant, enchanting the long summer evenings in the garden. The flowering usually lasts until September, allowing it to be enjoyed throughout the summer season. This very hardy variety can withstand temperatures down to about -20°C in well-drained soil and is usually not susceptible to diseases or insects.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Mont Blanc' is a true gem in the garden, thanks to its relatively compact size, which makes the flowering more accessible compared to the much taller typical species. To create an amazing composition, plant it in a bed with other plants with XXL blooms. Its cousin, Magnolia 'Megalonia', will enchant you with its early spring flowering of vibrant purple-pink, reaching 30 cm in diameter. Hibiscus moscheutos 'Giant Red' will accompany the flowering of your Magnolia with its single, 25 cm diameter, striking bright red flowers that contrast well with the pure white. Its purple dissected foliage will also create a superb contrast against the dark green of 'Mont Blanc'. To extend the flowering period of your bed into autumn, plant a Hydrangea paniculata with its large panicles (20 to 40 cm depending on the variety) in white, pink, or purple, which can rival the presence of your Magnolia.

The Magnolia genus was named in honour of P. Magnol, director of the Montpellier Botanical Garden in the late 17th century. This plant enthusiast is credited with the concept of botanical families, grouping previously scattered genera. Magnoliaceae constitute a group of archaic plants, whose primitive flowers are still extremely beautiful.