Magnolia sieboldii 'Colossus'

Magnolia sieboldii has always been my favorite non-native Magnolia. While its siblings are so often bold, maybe even overstated, this plant has a quiet dignity. A multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree, it's probably best planted on a slope where you can look up at the fragrant pendant flowers. I lay on my back to get this picture but the view was worth it!

The species is a fine plant and there are a number of selections; 'Colossus' (this one) has flowers and leaves somewhat larger than the norm. Like the species, it blooms after most of the Asian taxa, and seems, in my experience, to tolerate shade better than many Magnolias, flowering abundantly and happily under deciduous trees.