General Description | Small, pyramidal tree with many large pink/red blossoms blooming in spring, before foliation. |
ID Characteristic | Very similar to M. x soulangeana, but with lighter green foliage, a heavier bud set and large (up to 30cm) red/pink blossoms. |
Shape | Upright pyramidal in form. |
Landscape | An ornamental tree, perfect as a centrepiece for a courtyard or circular driveway. Large buds set in the fall give the tree much winter interest. This is a tree that can really show off. |
Propagation | Originally selected from seedling then propagated by bud grafting to root stock. Softwood propagation techniques can work. |
Cultivation | Prefers neutral to acidic, well-draining, loamy soil. Plant in full sun or partial sun, in an area protected from wind. |
Pests | Can be prone to scale bugs, and sapsuckers. Can also develop black mildew, Verticillium wilt or Nectria canker. |
Notable Specimens | Located at Tikorangi The Jury Garden at 589 Otaraoa Road, Waitara , New Zealand. |
Bark/Stem Description | Usually grey with smooth texture5 and small lenticels (2-3mm). Bark stays smooth through maturity. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Large, ovate, pubescent, grey buds. The flower bud being larger than the leaf bud. |
Leaf Description | Simple, alternate, ovate leaves with entire margin and acuminate apex. 25cm long and 20cm wide with a 3cm petiole. Often lighter green than M. x soulangeana with a smooth adaxial surface and slightly pubescent abaxial surface. |
Flower Description | Heavily set with many large pink/red, campanulate, flowers up to 30cm in diameter and 20cm in length. Often having 9 tepals. |
Fruit Description | Asymmetric aggregate of follicles up to 10cm in length. Few fruits tend to form, and even fewer will form with fertile follicles. |
Colour Description | Green leaves, lighter in tone than M. x soulangeana through the summer. Light grey bark and deep pink/red flowers. |
Texture Description | Medium to coarse in leaf. Also medium to coarse in winter. |