‘Vulcan’ is the darkest and most dramatic tulip Magnolia available. Its rich deep burgundy blooms appear before the foliage emerges in early spring. ‘Vulcan’ makes an elegant small specimen tree, hedge with a difference, or stunning container display.

Origin: New Zealand.

This is a hybrid developed by Doris stone, plant breeder at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New york, in 1967. This pyramidal form was selected from the resulting seedlings for its flower colour and consistency of bloom. Flowers are yellow with a slight greenish tinge at the base of the outer tepals, and are held upright on the branches. Tepals are 3-3.5 in.(7.6-8.9 cm) long and about 2 in. (5.1 cm)wide. 'Yellow Bird' flowers earlier in the year then Magnolia acuminata but later then the yellow-flowered 'Elizabeth', another Brooklyn Botanic Garden introduction. The flowers appear at the same time as the leaves and continue for two to three weeks. Leaves are elliptic, dark green, and glabrous. Bark is furrowed like that of M.acuminata. Introduced by the Brooklyn Boranic Gardens 1981.

This yellow form was registered by Ken durio of louisiana nursery, Opelousas, Louisiana, about 1980. It is a vigorous, upright tree with precocious flowers blooming late enough in the season to escape most frost damage. Flower buds are yellow, fading to cream-colour as they open. The fragrant flowers are 6-8 in.(15-20.3cm) across. Tepals are light yellow with a light pink tinge on the outside, fading after opening.

This hybrid is another precocious yellow form bred by Phil Savage, using M.acuminata var.subcordata as the seed parent. 'Yellow Lantern' is an upright, single-stemmed tree which is fertile. The large flower buds are tomentose, opening to a uniform lemon-yellow, cup shaped flower similar in form and size to the flower of the hybrid's parent 'Alexandrina'. Colour is without greenish tinges. Registered by Savage in 1985.

A truly iconic Asian magnolia. Michelia champaca. My garden is awash with perfume at this time of year from this exquisite tree. This evergreen tree boasts masses of sweetly perfumed, chromium yellow flowers from summer to autumn. Slender, glossy bright green leaves droop from horizontal branches. This is a tree variety that may reach up to 10metres+ in height.

This popular evergreen tree is prized for the showy display of Magnolia-like flowers during late winter at a time when very few trees are flowering. Makes an effective living hedge or screen and is a stunning sight when in full bloom. Can grow to 10m in height.

Origin: East Asia

A small evergreen tree with beautiful large white scented flowers. The large blue-green leaves make a lovely colour contrast in the garden. An excellent small specimen tree or background screening.

Origin: China

An attractive evergreen tree, popular for its fragrance and oil. In South East Asia it is said to bring good luck. Produces magnificent highly perfumed cream coloured flowers from spring to autumn.

Origin: Asia