Magnolia campbellii – seen across the expanse of parkland, spotlighting the Magnolia collection at Kew
A return visit to Kew, to see again the Magnolias in after a week that has featured some sunshine and some chill nights, though little wind or rain to damage the blossom.
Petals there are no on the grass and some specimens are going over, over-blown and browning – the pristine Magnolia sprengeri var Diva that was so pure and perfect last week is definitely suffering now, though the Campbell’s magnolias and the Magnolia heptapeta are still in fine fettle, the diminutive flowers of M. Kewensis are coming out in greater numbers and some specimens are coming into their first flush. This might warrant a further visit next week methinks.
Magnolia salicifolia has come on with more bloom, more open and more elegance and more drama…
Magnolia cylindrica has come on too – more flower, fuller and more open (below)
The Campbell’s Magnolias are still a wonder and the largest trees in this little arboretum –
One specimen, M. campbellii supsp. campbellii seemed to me to have larger flowers than the ‘original’ with a richer colour..
Perhaps the flowers came down closer to ground and therefore seemed larger than those aloft, perhaps they were fresher, but what a show.
Contrasting with the pure white Magnolia heptapeta, good enough on its own given a real lift with the touch of marshmallow pink coming through, against a blue sky…
Here (below) you can see Magnolia salicifolia in the foreground, M. heptapeta (the white) and M. Campbellii (the pink) in the background.
Going over, but still striking, this Magnolia sprengeri var Diva is falling apart beautifully!
Magnolia stellata (in the Family Beds and by the long rose pergola)
More and more flowers on Magnolia Kewensis – with the distinctive lily-flowered shape and contrasting pink stripe.
There are still many trees with tightly furled, felt-grey flower buds and no sign of activity, so a third visit really has to be on the cards. Camera batteries charging!
The Teddington Gardener 