Magnolia trees in bloom-Japanese magnolia pictures

The magnolia flower is such a magnificent bloom and we don't have many of them in our parts.
Though mentioned as Japanese magnolia - Magnolia liliiflora, this small tree or shrub is native to China, not Japan.
Known by various names like Tulip magnolia, red magnolia, Lily magnolia, this species is smaller than most other magnolias (to 4m) and blooms in early spring with large pink to purple showy flowers, before the leaves open.

This Japanese Magnolia tree, in our Botanical garden, is all covered with beautiful blossoms.

The upward-facing flowers resemble a tulip, having large firm petals colored in deep purple on the outside and much lighter, pinkish on the inside.

The very popular hybrid, the Saucer magnolia is one of the many descendant of the Tulip magnolia.

This lovely bushy tree seems to be content with its sunny and partially shaded spot it is planted on. Being surrounded by other trees and shrubs, this magnolia tree is out of strong winds, and I hope we shall have it this beautiful, every year.

See pictures of the Japanese mountain magnolia (Magnolia kobus), one of the earliest magnolia species to bloom in spring.