| General Description | Small, pyramidal tree with many large pink/red blossoms blooming in spring, before foliation. |
| ID Characteristic | Very similar to M. x soulangeana, but with lighter green foliage, a heavier bud set and large (up to 30cm) red/pink blossoms. |
| Shape | Upright pyramidal in form. |
| Landscape | An ornamental tree, perfect as a centerpiece for a courtyard or circular driveway. Large buds set in the fall give the tree much winter interest. This is a tree that can really show off. |
| Propagation | Originally selected from seedling then propagated by bud grafting to root stock.2 Softwood propagation techniques can work. |
| Cultivation | Prefers neutral to acidic, well-draining, loamy soil. Plant in full sun or partial sun, in an area protected from wind. |
| Pests | Can be prone to scale bugs, and sapsuckers.5 Can also develop black mildew, Verticillium wilt or Nectria canker. |
| Notable Specimens | Located at Tikorangi The Jury Garden at 589 Otaraoa Road, Waitara , New Zealand. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Usually grey with smooth texture5 and small lenticels (2-3mm). Bark stays smooth through maturity. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Large, ovate, pubescent, grey buds. The flower bud being larger than the leaf bud. |
| Leaf Description | Simple, alternate, ovate leaves with entire margin and acuminate apex. 25cm long and 20cm wide with a 3cm petiole. Often lighter green than M. x soulangeana with a smooth adaxial surface and slightly pubescent abaxial surface. |
| Flower Description | Heavily set with many large pink/red, campanulate, flowers up to 30cm in diameter and 20cm in length. Often having 9 tepals. |
| Fruit Description | Asymmetric aggregate of follicles up to 10cm in length.5 Few fruits tend to form, and even fewer will form with fertile follicles. |
| Colour Description | Green leaves, lighter in tone than M. x soulangeana through the summer.1 Light grey bark and deep pink/red flowers. |
| Texture Description | Medium to coarse in leaf, also medium to coarse in winter. |