Magnolia officinalis - Houpo magnolia, Chinese magnolia

The Magnolia officinalis var. officinalis is a deciduous, impressive Chinese botanical species with large leaves and flowers. It forms a true small tree with leaves clustered in bouquets at the end of branches. In late spring, very large flowers, with a fragrant scent, appear on a mature subject. Rarely planted in Western gardens, it is cultivated like a large rhododendron in deep, loose soil, remaining fresh, neutral to acidic.

In the magnolia family, the Magnolia officinalis is one of the most beautiful species. It is a robust small tree with an elegant port, deciduous, perfectly hardy, often multicaulis, developing a regular and sparsely branched crown, generally conical, rounding with age. The officinalis subspecies, with oval and entire leaves, differs from the biloba subspecies with leaves having two lobes at their truncated end. Native to central China, it is highly appreciated in that country for its medicinal properties.

In our climates, the Magnolia officinalis var. officinalis generally reaches 8-10 m in height by 7-8 m in spread. Its growth is quite rapid once well established. Its bark is brown to ashy gray, thick and wrinkled, but does not crack with age. It becomes scaly at the base of the trunk on older subjects. Young branches are pubescent. In spring, large buds unfurl into leaves that are broad, oval, measuring up to 50 cm in length by 25 cm in width. The upper side of the blade is a tender green, strongly veined, slightly shiny. The leaves are arranged in clusters (verticils) at the ends of branches. Flowering occurs from May to June, depending on the climate. The flowers, sometimes reaching 20 cm in diameter, consist of 9 to 12 petals in white to cream white. They emit a pronounced and pleasant, fruity fragrance typical of magnolia flowers. After pollination, fruits of a pinkish red hue form, clustered in cones of 10 to 13 cm in length, quite decorative. They also contain red seeds. Before falling, the foliage takes on beautiful brown to brick hues.

The Magnolia officinalis is planted in a medium-sized garden or park, if the soil type and climate permit. It will stand out as a solitary subject in the middle of a lawn, or at the back of a lower shrub massif. It pairs well with Grand Rhododendrons and Chinese Azaleas that appreciate similar settings. Beautiful trees like the Tilleul de Henry (Tilia henryana) will accompany it during its flowering. The Caramel Tree (Cercidiphylum japonicum) or the Hamamelis 'Yamina' will enhance its foliage with magnificent autumnal colours.