Magnolias

Magnolias hold a special space in the hearts of North American gardeners, particularly those in the South where spring is heralded by the arrival of the magnolia blooms. "The Queen of Flowers" is also the favorite of author Rosemary Barrett, whose garden features dozens of magnolia trees. She shares her expertise and passion for magnolias, offering readers practical and enthusiastic guidance on growing these extraordinary trees.

Surprisingly, in contrast to their sophisticated beauty, magnolias are easy to grow. This guide for hands-on gardeners is full of useful advice and ideas, including:

• the history of magnolias
• cultivation and propagation
• landscaping with magnolias in small and large gardens
• Soulangeana hybrids
• companion planting
• the best whites, pinks, reds and purples, yellows and others
• rare and special magnolias
• magnolia relatives, michelias and liriodendrons
• over 95 beautiful full color photographs

Magnolias includes traditional species and newer varieties, magnolias that flower quickly and those that take some time to bloom, magnolias for any size garden, perfumed magnolias, and many related plants. Wonderful photographs, nursery sources, a bibliography, hardiness zones and a full index complete this inspiring guide to this most beautiful tree.