Magnolia Susan

Later blooming to avoid damaging spring frosts Incredibly pretty for smaller gardens. Large, fragrant, goblet-shaped blooms with narrow, slightly twisted petals and paler tones on the inner sides are produced in mid to late spring. The 'Little Girl' series of which Susan is just one, were developed at the National Arboretum in the 1950's and flower a few weeks later than other varieties, usually avoiding the damaging late spring frosts. Fabulous when introduced into floral arrangements, bringing the scent to be enjoyed indoors. When Pierre Magnol a seventeenth century French botanist brought the first Magnolias to Europe from Southern China, no-one had set eyes on such a wonderful flowering tree. In Southern China, magnolias were grown to represent womanly beauty, gentleness, and were a key part in bridal bouquets. Ever since, there has been a consistent breeding programme to improve and create new magnolia varieties. The receiver of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit, Magnolia 'Susan' prefers to be grown in moist, slightly acidic soil in sun or part shade and will reach a mature height and spread of between 2.5-4m. Given the RHS hardiness rating of H6, no winter protection will be required across most of the UK.