Magnolia x soulangeana Alba Superba A beautiful, newly introduced hybrid magnolia, Magnolia x soulangeana Alba Superba is a large, slow-growing shrub with a dense crown and an elegant, upright, almost columnar habit, which makes it a good choice as a specimen for smaller gardens. The large, upright flowers, initially tulip-shaped, later more spreading, are scented and creamy-white, flushed purple pink at the base and white inside; they are borne on the bare branches before the deep green, ovoid leaves appear. Hybrid magnolia Superba’s elegant shape rarely needs pruning, and it starts flowering earlier in life than its parent Magnolia soulangeana.  Site: ShelteredSoil: Well-drained, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: Mid- to late springHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: eventually 20’/6m Spread: 16’/5m