"......... But anyway, I don't think magnolias blossom before they leaf like
fruit trees do. Isn't a magnolia a later flowerer? ..."

Sorry but you are wrong.
Many Magnolias flower before the leaves start, My Stelata was in flower 4
weeks ago and still no leaves.
This magnolia in question is the same,
see http://www.esveld.nl/htmldia/m/mahsen.htm



http://www.esveld.nl/htmldia/m/mahsen.htm

--
David Hill
Abacus nurseries
www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk