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| The best of red-flowering Magnolias | |
| Three spectacular Magnolia varieties introduced in recent years by New Zealand breeder Mark Jury are being marketed by Anthony Tesselaar International Pty Ltd, Australia. They are acknowledged for their large red flowers, relatively contained growth, adaptation to most climates (including cold hardiness) with good general resistance to pests and diseases. Vulcan™ is said to be the first red colour break in the Magnolia genus. It is the largest growing variety of the three with a mature height and spread of up to 12 x 8m. It produces large 25cm flowers of a deep magenta colour in early spring, before dark green leaves. Flowers are slightly perfumed. The variety starts to flowers after the first few seasons. The first flowering of young plants may be a "muddy purple". Once established, subsequent flowers are true to the description. It is mostly grown as a single specimen plant and it has no particolar problems with insect pests and diseases. Black Tulip™ is the most compact of the three, an upright tree growing to a height and spread of 9 c 4.5m. It produces tulip-like 15cm black-red, goblet-shaped flowers in early spring before its dark green leaves. The variety flowers relatively quickly; within the first few seasons of growth, reaching a flower power of up to 150 blooms when mature. It is suitable for smaller gardens and in landcape planting and performs best in full sun with some protection from strong winds. Pruning is generally not necessary, except for early training of the plant. Felix™ named after Felix Jury, is a small upright tree growing to a pyramidal shape when mature to a mature height and spread of 12 x 4.5m . Ideal as a garden or commercial specimen and landscape for its large and colourful flowers. It produces large 30cm open-faced rosy red flowers in early spring which are highly fragrant. After flowering it produces light green leaves. In terms of maturity, flowering starts on 5-6 year old plants, a longer period to flowering than with Black Tulip™ or Vulcan™. Pruning is generally not necessary, except for early training of the plant and presents no particolar problems regards disease or insect pests. It grows well in most climates, tolerating all but the coldest temperatures; it performs best in the sun and enjoys protection from strong winds. The Jury Garden and Nursery are located at Tikorangi, New Zealand. Current breeding activity includes work with the closely related Michelia genus. A recent Jury introduction that will also be marketed by Tesselaar International is the new variety "Fairy Magnolia Bush". This evergreen shrub produces pale pink flowers and could also be a useful candidate for hedging. Some species of Michelia are highly perfumed – a wonderful prospect for further new varieties. For further information contact. In China, the buds of one Michelia are so strongly perfumed that the women traditionally place them in pockets and cloths cupboards. For further information contact Tesselaar International Pty Ltd (for Europe), E-mail: ptownshend@tesselaar.com www.tesselaar.comFor The Jury Gardens, New Zealand, Fax: 0064 67546671, E-mail: jury@jury.co.nz www.jury.co.nz |
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