Japanese name: モクレン（木蓮、木蘭） Scientific name:Magnolia liliiflora
[Overview]
A deciduous shrub growing 3–4 m tall.
It is said to be native to China and has long been cultivated.
The bark is grayish white tinged with brown.
The leaves are alternate, obovate to ovate-obovate, with entire, slightly wavy margins.
The flowers open before the leaves emerge and continue to bloom after the leaves have appeared.
The flowers are about 10 cm across, held upright, and do not open very wide.
There are 6 tepals, dark purple on the outside and pale purple on the inside.
Because of the flower color, it is also called Shimokuren (purple magnolia).
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by grafting.
When grown from seed, it can take 10 years or more to flower.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained site with deep soil.
Pests and diseases are relatively few.
