Magnolia Manchu Fan

The Magnolia Manchu Fan is a small bush with a regular conical shape, which blooms late in the season, at the end of April or early May, in an explosion of white flowers in the shape of open tulips. At the end of flowering, large leaves of a vibrant green appear. Hardy down to -15 °C, it grows in non-limestone, neutral or acidic soil, in full sun or possibly partial shade, preferably sheltered from strong winds. It needs moisture in summer, but the soil must also be well-drained for the winter. This hybrid magnolia can be planted in beds or at the edge of large trees, but it can also stand alone as it is very decorative not only for its flowering, but also for its well-regulated habit.

The Magnolia genus, which gave its name to the small Magnoliaceae family, includes about a hundred species and a number of hybrids, as the genus has been worked on by numerous breeders, particularly regarding colours (for example, the introduction of varieties with yellow flowers).
Thus, this 'Manchu Fan' variety (Manchu fan) is one of the first ones obtained by Todd Gresham in 1955 in Santa Cruz. This Californian hybridizer achieved multiple crosses using pollen from Magnolia x veitchii (a species itself obtained by crossing M. x campbelii, a tree of Asian origin, and M. denudata, a small Chinese tree) to fertilize flowers of other species. 'Manchu Fan' is thus the result of a cross between M. x veitchii and M. soulangeana 'Lennei Alba', this hybrid combines their respective qualities.

This small 'Manchu Fan' magnolia has an intermediate size between that of its two parents. Forming a small bush mostly branched from the base, it reaches 6m (19 ft 8 in) in height and 4m (13 ft 1 in) in width. Generally conical in habit, it can also widen over time to become as wide as it is tall. Its flowers appear towards the end of April and early May and are thus mostly spared by late frosts that can harm these beautiful trees. Pure white, with a small pink spot at the base, they consist of 9 petals, or rather tepals, as the sepals and petals have the same appearance. Measuring from 10 to 12cm, these tulip-shaped flowers, when fully open, emerge on the naked wood, offering a magnificent spectacle in spring. They are followed by the large leaves (around 20cm (7.9 in)) of medium green colour.

The 'Manchu Fan' Magnolia will make a focal point when planted alone in a short grass meadow in a small garden. In a larger space, it can be integrated into a mixed shrub border, combining shrubs with varied and spread-out flowering throughout the season. When initially planting, the soil can be worked by incorporating compost and heath soil mixed with the existing soil. This area can then be devoted to plants that have the same requirements as this Magnolia. Camellias with white, pink or red flowers will precede the flowering of our small tree, while maintaining a romantic note. A magnificent and rare Kalmia 'You Can', or mountain laurel, will also fit perfectly into this romantic theme with its charming and unique pink flowering that takes over in May-June. The Indian Lilacs will then follow and continue until the end of summer, with their bouquets of crepe-like flowers.