A sure sign spring has arrived: the pink blooms of Westonbirt’s Diva magnolia are here!
Westonbirt’s bright pink symbol of spring – the 24 metre tall Magnolia sprengeri ‘Diva’ has finally flowered - a month later than last year due to the cold start to spring.
Planted in 1960, the magnolia is descendant of a tree grown from seeds brought back from China in 1900.
This particular specimen, which can be found in the Old Arboretum where Savill Glade meets Circular Drive, is classed as a Champion Tree, which means it is the largest of its kind in the UK according to the Tree Register of the British Isles.
The Magnolia sprengeri ‘Diva’ was planted on 22 February 1960 by members of the arboretum’s advisory committee – a group of arboricultural and horticultural experts that still supports the arboretum today.
The group then included the Directors of Kew Gardens, Oxford Botanic Gardens, a representative from Windsor Great Park and other leaders in their field.
When the tree was planted, the group all joined hands and danced in a circle around the tree. Quite a contrast to the committee’s normal more serious visits!
Westonbirt Arboretum has more than 140 magnolia trees, made up of specimens from 20 species and cultivars. You can find out more about these beautiful trees and other spring blooms at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-spring.
Words: Susanna Byers and Katrina Podlewska
Pictures: Gina Mills
