Magnolia

Only a few Magnolias are well known to the general public (e.g. Magnolia stellata or M. x soulangeana), but there are many other and often more spectacular species and selections.

In particular, several species that were brought to Europe from the Americas in the 18th century by dedicated plant hunters (Magnolia virginiana, Magnolia acuminata and the evergreen Magnolia grandiflora), or from Asia in the 19th century (Magnolia campbellii, Magnolia sprengeri, Magnolia wilsonii, Magnolia stellata, Magnolia kobus etc.).

Many of these hybrids are now in our collections such as the lovely Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ with hardy, pinkish flowers. Some new, deep yellow flowering cultivars (e.g. Magnolia ‘Daphne’) were grown and selected here at the Arboretum. We hope that you will fall in love with the deep purple flowered Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’, the deliciously scented Magnolia sprengeri or many other cultivars at display in the Arboretum.

As of 2024, the Magnolia collection at Arboretum Wespelaar holds 288 different taxa.

We currently (2023-2024) have an exhibition of Magnolia photographs in the Artois Pavillion. You will find the accompanying text here:

• de Spoelberch, P. - (2023) - Magnolia exhibition - overview. Accompanying text Magnolia exhibition in the Artois Pavilion, Arboretum Wespelaar, May 2023.

Pictures © Arboretum Wespelaar