Magnolia 'Purple Breeze'

This tree was presumably cultivated from seed of Magnolia sargentiana var. robusta, because the plant was bought in 1984 under that name at the Esveld nursery (but it could be a hybrid with Magnolia sprengeri). If it resists the spring frosts, it blooms abundantly and very early (March - beginning of April). The very large flowers have 12 to 13 tepals. They tend to be quite floppy and often flutter in the wind, but are nevertheless a pleasant view. Unfortunately, every other year the flowers are damaged by frost.