Magnolia soulangeana Andre Leroy

The Magnolia (x) soulangeana André Leroy is an old variety still praised for the beauty of its flowering, its ability to bloom from a young age, and its very harmonious rounded habit. Its large tulip-shaped flowers, with a deep pink colour on the outside, bloom abundantly from early spring, enhancing the ample branches of this small tree before the leaves appear. Hardy and undemanding, this magnolia will thrive in any soil that is not too chalky, provided it is fresh and well-drained, and sheltered from cold winds.

The Magnolia x soulangeana 'André Leroy' belongs to the very ancient family of Magnoliaceae, mainly found in East Asia. It was introduced in 1892 in Angers by the nurseryman André Leroy. The first Magnolia x soulangeana themselves resulted from a cross-breeding carried out in France by Étienne Soulange in the first half of the 19th century, between the Magnolia denudata, a tree with pure white flowers, and the Magnolia liliiflora, a bush with purple flowers. The resulting hybrids have intermediate characteristics, with slow growth, a more modest size, and flowers more or less marked with dark pink.

The Magnolia de Soulange 'André Leroy' is therefore a descendant of these first hybrids. It is a fairly modest variety (about 4m (13 ft 1 in) in all directions after more than 10 years), with a ramified and bushy habit, with spreading branches. The flowering is generous, occurring in April-May on the still naked branches, even on young specimens. The flowers, large cups measuring 7.5 to 15cm (3 to 5.9 in) in diameter, resembling tulips, emerge from purple-pink buds and open to reveal a white interior. The heart protects the beautiful bouquet of golden stamens. The deciduous leaves, ovate and of a tender green colour,........, appear afterwards. They turn yellow in autumn before falling.

Hardy and long-lasting, the Magnolia de Soulange 'André Leroy' is undemanding as long as it has a deep and well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral, remaining fresh even in summer. The only real difficulty is finding a location well sheltered from cold winds and late frosts, which can damage or even destroy the delicate flowers and young foliage. This small tree deserves a place on its own, in the middle of a short grass meadow or a bed, but it can also be associated with other bushes or small trees within a grove. Consider, for example, Acer palmatum Atropurpureum, Red Majestic twisted hazel, and Amelanchier Lamarckii as companions.