Magnolia ‘Aurora’ was raised by Os Blumhardt of Whangarei and is probably his best hybrid. It is a cross between ‘Starwars’ and M. sargentiana var robusta. It forms a columnar tree with an upright habit and settles down to flower in the second or third year from planting. Once established, 'Aurora’ will flower like clockwork every year while other varieties seem affected by the weather and flower later and earlier some years. Gows to around 4x2.5m after 10 years.