Alba Superba features large white tulip-shaped flowers with creamy-pink bases. It is one of the first Magnolias to flower, usually in early April in the UK.
The fragrant flowers apear on bare branches, with the leaves following later in the spring.
This relatively slow-growing Magnolia can be maintained with a single stem but its natural habit is to become a small multi-stemmed tree of 5m or so.
For best results plant in a sheltered location in full sun - the early-flowering blooms are delicate.
Alba Superba is a good example of the hybrid Magnolia species Magnolia x soulangeana which was first developed in France in the 1820s. The key characteristics are the relatively early flowering period, the large tulip-shaped / saucer-shaped scented flowers, and the dense branching shrub-like habit. It is one of the most widely-planted Magnolia species, and grows well in the UK.
This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2022.