Magnolia
conspicua, var. Soulangeana (pictured)
was a variety of one of the best known and most valued
of hardy flowering trees in the nineteenth century.
The
deciduous magnolia was first introduced into Britain
from China in 1789. The most well-known of the species
in Britain by the late nineteenth century wa the Magnolia
grandiflora, a bold evergreen that in the later
days of summer produced magnificent white flowers. It
did not particularly like strong frosts, and always
did best when placed close to a 'comforting' wall -
there was a particularly fine example to be seen in
a private garden in a narrow passage connecting Kew
Gardens with the Thames.
