This is a picture of what is called a “Gem” magnolia. It stays small and is ideal for planting in subdivisions where one of the big magnolias–which grow very tall and have spreading, big, lovely crowns–would overwhelm small yards. Note that Magnolia blossoms are very fragrant too.
On a big regular magnolia, the blossoms would be bigger. But look at this pretty bloom, which is surrounded by more buds.
This tree of my back neighbor’s was planted 2 years ago, and it is loaded with blooms this year.
Seeing blooming magnolia trees reminds me of way back in the day–I was in high school–when I was maid of honor for a treasured first cousin’s wedding in rural Virginia. I flew from Omana, Nebraska, and was met at Dulles airport in northern Virginia (just west of DC) by the bride’s father, who flew me to their home in Lovingston, Virginia, (near Charlottesville and Lynchburg to the south).
My cousin carried a single magnolia blossom in the wedding that took place in a beautiful and old rural Episcopal church.
Memories…
Louisa Enright's Blog 