family:  Magnoliaceae

characteristics: tree, scented/aromatic
height: 4.00m width: 4.00m
growth rate: medium
growth habit: broad headed
leaf colour: green
flower colour: purple
stem/bark colour: dark grey
main period of interest: Spring

growing conditions: full sun, part shade, moist soil, clay soil
prefered soil pH: neutral-acid
minimum temperature: -18°C
USDA zone: 4 to 9

description:
Small deciduous tree or large, often multi-stemmed shrub. Fuzzy buds open to fragrant, cup-shaped flowers with narrow tepals, reddish purple on the outside and white inside. They are produced about 2 weeks later than M. x soulangiana reducing the possibility of late spring frost damage and often flower intermitantly later in the season.
Smooth grey bark and mid green leaves.

cultivation:
Prefer heavy, rich and moist lime free soil, but quite adaptable. A sheltered position, especially protection from early morning sun when frosts are likely will reduce the risk of damage to the flowers.
Can be pruned after flowering or in July or August. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution.

propagation:
From semi-hardwood cuttings, generally require misting to root.

other notes:
One of ''The Eight Little Girls'' cultivars. Hybrid of M. liliflora 'Reflorescens' x M. stellata 'Waterlily', raised by William F. Kosar and Dr. Francis de Vos, U.S. National Arboretum.