Magnolia ashei x macrophylla

A rare hybrid with colossal foliage, creamy blossoms, and Southern garden heritage.

Magnolia ashei × macrophylla is a striking hybrid magnolia, born from a deliberate cross between two of North America's most dramatic native magnolias: Ashe's Magnolia (Magnolia ashei) and Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla). First created by Dr. Fred Meyer at the U.S. National Arboretum, this uncommon hybrid brings together the best traits of both parents—massive tropical-looking foliage, breathtaking blooms, and a growth habit that strikes a handsome balance between shrub and small tree.

The leaves, some reaching over 2 feet in length, form a bold, architectural silhouette in the landscape, lending a primeval feel to shaded garden corners. In spring to early summer, this magnolia produces huge, fragrant, creamy white flowers with purplish markings at the base of the petals—blooms that rival any exotic for sheer scale and beauty. By late summer, the flowers give way to large, slightly elongated seed cones, adding continued visual interest and appeal to wildlife.

In habit, this hybrid grows intermediately between its parents—more upright and tree-like than M. ashei, but not as towering as M. macrophylla. It’s a plant of presence and poise, perfect for a sheltered location with rich, moist, well-drained soil. A mature specimen growing in Hopelands Gardens in Aiken, South Carolina, stands as a living testament to this hybrid's exceptional ornamental value in the Southern garden.

Hybrid Origin: U.S. National Arboretum (Dr. Fred Meyer)
Foliage: Enormous, tropical-looking, deciduous leaves (up to 24–30 inches)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Flower Color: Creamy white with purple markings; very fragrant
Fruit: Large, slightly elongated seed cones in late summer
Notable Traits: Giant foliage, stunning blooms, rare native hybrid
Garden Uses: Specimen tree, shade garden focal point, collector’s garden