[1][2] The taxonomy of the plant and the other five davidii varieties has been challenged in recent years.

Leeuwenberg sank them all as synonyms, considering them to be within the natural variation of a species, and thus unworthy of varietal recognition,[3] a treatment adopted in the Flora of China published in 1996.

magnifica was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's First Class Certificate (FCC) in 1905.

magnifica is chiefly distinguished by the length of its violet-purple panicles, which can reach 75 cm (very occasionally 90 cm).

[2] Now very rare in cultivation, specimens are still grown in the UK, at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and Edinburgh.