As its genus epithet suggests, this small tree has magnificently grand and exquisitely scented flowers. Also known as Bull Bay Magnolia. Introduced 1734 by Mark Catesby (1683–1749).

Native to south-east USA, from North Carolina to Texas.

Monoecious with hermaphroditic flowers.

Small (12m), evergreen, irregularly rounded-pyramidal, usually single-trunked. Bark grey with pale horizontal lenticels, developing thick scaly plates. Twigs and buds with rufous hairs. Evergreen but shedding leaves year-round. Leaves large (13-20cm), alternate, elliptic or oblanceolate, thick and leathery, bright shiny green above, densely rufous-downy below. Flowers large, with 9-15 huge white tepals (20-35cm), white stamens and purple carpels, opening sporadically from late June to September, strongly citrus-floral-scented. Seeds in bright red arils within an ellipsoid cone-like fruit (7-10cm).

Thrives best in warm areas, in full sun and given shelter. It grows in many soil types but dislikes waterlogging. Prune in autumn. It can be pleached and wall-trained as an espalier. Some 28 cultivars are available, varying in size, foliage, and flower shape and scent, including 'Mont Blanc' and 'Kay Parris'.

No notable associations where introduced.

Tolerant of drought and heat, and of poor soils, this species may thrive under a warming climate.

Ornamental. Timber is rarely available but has attractive dark brown heartwood, sometimes streaked purple, used in cabinet-making, boxes and veneers.