Overrated for ease, underrated for beauty — Magnolia

People describe Magnolia as easy and I'd push back on that slightly. keeping a mulch-free collar immediately around the trunk needs consistent attention and honey fungus affecting roots especially on stressed trees can undermine progress quickly if ignored.

Where Magnolia is genuinely underrated is the beauty. exceptional seasonal spectacle from blossom through autumn colour is extraordinary when you see it in person. I display it in a boundary or avenue planting in a larger space and it gets comments from everyone who sees it. blossom or leaf burst in spring creating dramatic transformation is the time to really understand what this plant offers. Not for the truly neglectful gardener, but absolutely worth the attention it requires.