Magnolias are about the most exotic looking hardy trees and shrubs we can grow. They are mainly deciduous, but sometimes evergreen, shrubs and trees that thrive most successfully in lime-free soils. The large leaves are mostly oval or elliptical in shape, and develop after the petals fall. A few also feature buttery fall foliage color. Some are hardy down to zone 4 and will take anything the winter throws at them, others are less resilient and more suited to tropical climates.
The flowers of deciduous magnolias range from deep purple or deep red through a variety of pink shades to pure white plus some sunny yellow varieties. In many, the outsides of the petals are noticeably darker than the insides. Many are also scented.
