Magnolia × proctoriana Rehder

All hybrids between two Japanese species, M. salicifolia and M. stellata, are covered by this name, including second generation and later seedlings, as well as backcrosses. Whille it was first described from an accidental hybrid in North American cultivation (Rehder 1939), it has since been found in the wild at sites around Nagoya where the parents occur together. Using both morphological and molecular evidence from a wild population, Muranishi et al. (2013) found evidence of F₁ and F₂ hybrids along with backcrosses only to M. salicifolia. Gardiner (2000) observed a wild population on a hillside near Mizunami; M. stellata grew at lower levels, with M. salicifolia higher up the slope and flowering later; hybrids were seen in between. In Western gardens the hybrid is represented by the type clone (usually simply labelled M. × proctoriana) and a few further cultivars of garden origin.

The type clone is a small, potentially broad-crowned tree (sometimes a large shrub) with oblong leaves to 12 × 4 cm, green beneath. Wood and leaves are anise-scented when crushed, but not nearly to the same degree as in M. salicifolia. Vegetative buds are intermediate between those of the parents, and shortly pubescent. The lightly fragrant flowers are carried profusely on bare branches (typically April in S England), opening horizontally to 10 cm across and tending to nod once fully open. The 6(–12) tepals are white with a hint of pink at the base. It was raised at the Arnold Arboretum from a batch of M. salicifolia seed collected in 1928 in the private Massachusetts arboretum of T.R. Proctor, commemorated in Rehder’s epithet. Some later 20th century literature reflects Steven Spongberg’s (1976) view that it is not a hybrid, but an outlying form of M. salicifolia; this is not the dominant opinion today.

A rich, acidic, moisture-retentive soil in full sun is ideal, although it can flower well in partial shade in southern England. Allow plenty of space for this broad, spreading tree to flourish.