Magnolia 'Leda'

This is probably a hybrid between Magnolia cylindrica and Magnolia campbellii var. alba. The tree has 'cup and saucer' flowers, where the inner tepals remain upright and the outer tepals fall open forming a saucer. Because of its elegant large white flowers, the Esveld nursery named this tree after the swan Leda. Philippe de Spoelberch had already registered the tree in 1995 under the name 'White Lips', but since the name 'Leda' was already widely used in trade, and in order to avoid confusion, the registration was renewed. Unfortunately, the flowers open very early and are very sensitive to frost. 'Leda' rarely offers a blooming spectacle. It is a beautiful flower and beautiful tree, but not for our Belgian climate.