We're often asked to recommend an evergreen feature tree for customers' gardens and very often I will suggest a Magnolia grandiflora. Not only is it fantastic for screening and privacy as it can grow up to 10-15metres high but it also looks completely stunning with its thick, leathery sage green foliage and bronze underside.

The key to their appeal though are their huge creamy white, dish-shaped flowers, stretching to 30-45cm across. It flowers in Summer, but it can take up to 25 years to produce any blooms. Ours, however, are in flower NOW!!! This beautiful picture was taken just a few hours ago! Like the deciduous magnolia, the evergreen produce architectural fuzzy buds from which emerge their incredible floral display.

All the magnolia family prefer fertile, well-drained soil and most favour slightly acidic soil. Most magnolias prefer full sun or partial shade.Once established, magnolias are fairly low-maintenance and young trees will benefit from a mulch each spring.

This truly is a majestic tree worthy of a crown, reigning over the shrub and perennial courtiers below.

Victoria Hardaker