Pink Tulip Tree 'Charles Raffill'

Magnolia campbellii 'Charles Raffill' is a spectacular deciduous tree, belonging to the elite class of 'Himalayan Magnolias'. It is a large, vigorous tree that eventually forms a wide, spreading canopy. It is famous for its enormous, cup-and-saucer shaped flowers which can reach 25cm across. These blossoms are a beautiful rose-pink on the outside and a paler pink-white on the inside, appearing on bare branches in early spring. Because it flowers so early, the buds are susceptible to late spring frosts, so it should be planted in a sheltered, woodland-style position, preferably in the southern or western UK where the climate is milder. It is hardy to H4/H5 but requires protection from wind. It thrives in deep, fertile, acidic to neutral soil that is consistently moist. This is a truly majestic tree for a larger garden where it can be given the space it deserves to reach its full, breathtaking potential. It is one of the most celebrated magnolias in British arboriculture.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, acidic, fertile loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Feb, Mar, Apr.