Magnolia brooklynensis Evamaria

Magnolia x brooklynensis 'Evamaria' is a biennially bearing variety. Obtained in 1968, in the USA, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, it has many qualities that still delight enthusiasts and collectors of rare and original varieties. The flowering changes day by day and is absolutely charming. Large green buds tinged with yellow and purple open into upright tulip-shaped flowers, the magenta pink petals are washed with honey and then infused with soft orange and tender green. They appear in late spring, dotting a foliage with a silver underside. Like all magnolias, it will thrive in a moist, preferably neutral or acidic soil, in full sun or partial shade. Its modest size will suit small spaces well.

The 'Evamaria' Magnolia belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. It forms a branching bush with a rounded shape, reaching a height of 3m (9 to 10ft) and a width of 2m (6 to 7ft) after 10 years, with growth slowing down afterwards. Its deciduous foliage consists of large light green leaves, with a paler and finely hairy underside. From May to June, small solitary flowers bloom among the leaves, reaching a height of 6 to 10cm (3.9in). The buds preceding the flowering are protected by silky and colourful bracts, followed by tulip-shaped flowers with 6 waxy and thick tepals (indistinguishable sepals and petals), almost flat, with the inner face fading to salmon pink at full bloom. They gradually open into a gaping cup around a revealed heart, revealing numerous orange stamens.

An ornamental small tree par excellence, 'Evamaria' will work wonders in both a small-sized garden and a large park. It is most often used as a solitary subject in the middle of a short grass meadow or in front of a house, where its remarkable flowering is always perceived as a miraculous event. It can also be advantageously associated with an interesting field of plants at other times of the year, such as a Japanese maple, a Hibiscus syriacus, a Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis', or even a Cornus kousa 'Satomi'. It also pairs well with acid-loving plants (Rhododendrons, Camellias, Nandinias, Peonies...). It is also possible to create beautiful flowering hedges along pathways, alternating this Magnolia with other cultivars, for example. Its root system is not dangerous for foundations, so it can be installed against the wall of a house.