DREAMS OF THE PERFECT MAGNOLIA

By WITT journalism student SELINA SIMCOX

The unique wine-red petals of Magnolia Genie represent one man’s 15-year pursuit of perfection.

Taranaki horticulturalist, Vance Hooper, 45 has spent the best part of his career trying to create the ultimate magnolia.

His latest hybrid creation, Magnolia Genie, has brought Mr Hooper closer to his goal -- although he says there is still room for improvement.

“It’s not perfect, but it’s too good to ignore.”

The name Genie is apt, given Mr Hooper says the plant has granted him three wishes: consistent colour, size and breeding.

“It was a shape and form I had been looking for,” says the Brixton resident. “When she flowered, I knew she had potential.”

Magnolia Genie, which retails from $49.55 to $69.95 in New Zealand ,   has gone global, since being released on the market here. in International trials are under way in England, Germany, Holland, France, Japan and the United States, to test the plant’s resilience to northern hemisphere weather conditions.

Mr Hooper says reports from his first international release show the plant is holding up well and prove Genie’s universal appeal.

He says he will apply for international patents for the plant once the trials are finished.

Shaun Rice, the curator of the camellia and magnolia collection at the Auckland Botanic Gardens, says Magnolia Genie has proved very popular with visitors to the gardens.  “I've even planted one … at home myself,” says Mr Rice.

He says Genie is ideal for the home garden because of its tight pyramid growth pattern and diminutive size.

Hybridising magnolia is a passion Mr Hooper developed almost 20 years ago, when he worked in the research and development department at Duncan and Davies.

He says he was originally attracted to magnolias because they capture the eye in the middle of winter.

“They brighten the place up when everything is looking so sterile.”

However despite years of experience, Mr Hooper says there is still an element of trial and error involved in plant breeding.

“You just give it your best shot.”

For the last four years, Mr Hooper has run his own nursery to support his magnolia experimentation.

He says given the time it takes to cultivate an ideal specimen, magnolia breeding is more of a long-term superannuation scheme than a get rich quick project.

Mr Hooper and his wife Kathryn, hope to open their extensive Brixton garden to the pubic in time for spring next year.

The garden will showcase Mr Hooper’s dedication to horticulture and display not only magnolia but various other species, including a 35-year-old aloe plant.

Photo: The Taranaki Daily News