Magnolia 'Heaven Scent' is one of the finest of the Gresham hybrids, bearing richly scented, tulip-shaped flowers in April. The blooms are dark pink to rose-purple on the outside, with a magenta stripe at the base and paler inner petals. Free-flowering and reliable, it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
It grows to around 4m x 3m after 10 years. Plant in full sun or light shade in a sheltered spot, in moist, well-drained, ideally slightly acidic soil; heavier clay is tolerated. Shelter matters, as cold winds and late frosts can damage the buds and flowers. Pruning is rarely needed, but any shaping is best done straight after flowering or in late summer.
