the saucer magnolia tree Magnolia × soulangeana in the park is in bloom and it is a sight to behold. it's a special treat to see it in the spring and folk travel long distances to view this particular tree in bloom.
the large tulip like flowers don't last long but the buds don't all bloom at the same time so while the earliest flowers have lost all their petals the later ones receiving less direct sun still won't bloom for another week or two.
the overall impression is rather romantic and a bit exotic for Norwegian conditions but it does well in good soil with lots of sun. it gets a little messy when the petals start to fall in numbers but focusing in on individual or smaller groups of flowers reveal some amazing details in all stages of development
