Quick Guide: spring, hardy, /semi-shade, height: 3m/10ft, width: 3m/10ft

For many people, a magnolia blooming in early spring is the most beautiful sight of the gardening year. The shrubs of this much-admired genus bear magnificent white or pink flowers which are often fragrant.

GROWING Plant in spring in well-drained lime-free soil into which plenty of peat has been incorporated. Magnolias need a site giving protection from cold winds. Support with stakes for the first 3 or 4 years, Top-dress annually in spring with peat or leaf-mould. No pruning is needed.

PROPAGATION Magnolias may he raised from seed (germination takes up to 18 months), by cuttings taken in summer or by layering in spring.

SPECIES Magnolia grandiflora, evergreen with large, round creamy-white fragrant flowers. Excellent against a wall, where it can -reach 10m/33ft. In this situation inward-growing shoots should be removed in spring. M. stellata (above), the hardiest species with white, star-shaped, fragrant flowers; the variety 'Royal Star' bears larger, more showy blooms. M. suulangeana, maximum height 5m/15ft, cup-shaped white flowers tinged carmine at the base open before the leaves unfurl; M. liliiflora, 2.4m/8ft, cup-shaped purple flowers.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Frost damage leading to grey mould.