This variety flowers before the species (which is relatively rare in cultivation). Upright multistemmed shrub or tree. Branches thin and flexible. Leaves mostly 15-20 cm long, broad, sometimes notched at the tip, mostly widest above the centre. Flowers before the leaves, exceptionally large (sometimes to 30 cm wide), pendent; early spring.

W China

Flowers hanging, opening downwards.

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Magnoliaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press. (as Magnolia sargentiana var. robusta)