Magnolia timber are a real mark that spring is right here. Together with some bulbs, they emerge early within the spring after we’re simply popping out of winter’s clutches. In case you are a brand new magnolia dad or mum (or fascinated by changing into one), right here is the whole lot that you must learn about rising the magnificent and alluring magnolia tree.
Spring in Vancouver is a gorgeous time of the yr due to the cherry blossoms and the magnolia timber. In April, I’m fortunate sufficient to be graced with magnolia flowers in my backyard. I’ve a saucer magnolia with pink flowers that burst earlier than the leaves come out.
Beneath the tree, a group of pink petals pile up. Then, the leaves will come out and I do know that the nice and cozy climate is right here to remain. I even get a brand new spherical of flower buds in a darkish, fuchsia purple. However these ones by no means open! As a substitute, they fall to the bottom. I take pleasure in them nonetheless nonetheless.
Through the years, I’ve used all elements of the magnolia tree. I exploit their distinctive leaves to create lovely and long-lasting recent wreaths. Their seed pods work as pure decorations. And their recent petals may even be loved by the style buds as edible flowers!
When you have a magnolia tree or need to add one to your panorama this season, listed below are the wonders of the gorgeous plant.
This put up will cowl….
Meet the Magnolia Tree
Magnolia flowers are well-known for his or her alluring perfume and enormous flowers. They arrive in numerous shades and mixes of white and pink, although you too can discover them in purple and yellow. A very fashionable decorative, they are often shaped into espaliers, shrubs, or tree types.
One of many issues I like greatest in regards to the magnolia is its distinctive leaves. Among the magnolia leaves have an indumentum. This can be a layer of trichomes that are hairy-looking tiny bristles that cowl an space of the plant. On one facet of the leaves is a darkish shiny inexperienced and on the opposite, a bushy copper color.
Thought of a primitive plant, magnolia timber existed over 100 million years in the past. Fossilized leaves have been present in Europe, North America, and Asia. At present, the crops are solely native to southern China and the southern US. There are round 80 species of magnolia timber.
The candy magnolia tree from America was the primary delivered to Europe. In China, the plant was cultivated as early because the seventh century. The Aztecs additionally grew magnolia timber for his or her magnificence.
Magnolia timber are distinctive in that they’re pollinated by primitive wingless beetles. They haven’t any nectar and an abundance of pollen, current lengthy earlier than winged bugs like bees got here round. That is additionally why they bloom in early spring earlier than many bugs have appeared. It’s additionally why most species don’t typically set seeds.
People who do get pollinated, nonetheless, produce a dangling fruit. I additionally love utilizing their dried seed heads for adornment, like on this air plant wreath.
Forms of Magnolia Bushes
As a basic rule of thumb, magnolia timber can develop fairly large. Many promote them as smaller-sized timber, however they’re nonetheless too large for small gardens. Nonetheless, you might be able to find some dwarf magnolia tree varieties of those standard species beneath.
Southern Magnolia Tree
Magnolia grandiflora
Native to the southeastern United States, southern magnolias are the most typical sort of evergreen magnolia. The white blooms are very giant and aromatic. The leaves final a very long time, with the favored indumentum talked about above. The leaves are a stand-out darkish inexperienced on high and copper beneath.
Southern magnolias can attain as much as 100 ft tall although there are lots of smaller cultivars obtainable (such because the ‘Little Gem’ magnolia tree pictured beneath). They develop in zones 7 to 10.
Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana
A hybrid magnolia, the saucer magnolia is a deciduous magnolia made by cross-breeding the lily magnolia with the lily tree. Some gardeners additionally seek advice from it because the tulip magnolia tree or just a tulip tree.
The flowers bloom very early, showing earlier than the leaves. They type cup-like shapes and might be loved as edible flowers. Native species are pinkish white, however you too can discover them in shiny pink and purple. Generally, you too can get a second spherical of blooms, although they’re smaller and should not absolutely open.
The saucer magnolia might be grown as a flowering tree or shrub, reaching as much as 40 ft tall and extensive. They develop in zones 5 to 9.
Anise magnolia
Magnolia salicifolia
One of many smaller magnolia timber, the anise magnolia blooms in early spring earlier than the leaves arrive. It has white flowers with a touch of pink and thinner leaves than most magnolias.
It’s notably recognized for its particular anise-lemon scent discovered within the flowers in addition to once you scratch off the bark.
Anise magnolia timber develop 20 to 30 ft tall and extensive and develop in zones 4 to 9.
Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata
This one is all within the title! Folks acknowledge this deciduous magnolia most for its star-shaped white flowers. It blooms in early spring, usually round March or April. It has fuzzy buds and a gentle perfume.
That is the very best selection for smaller gardens. It could even develop in a container earlier than it reaches maturity. They develop as much as 15 ft tall and extensive. Star magnolias develop greatest in zones 3 to 10.
Edible Makes use of
As I hinted above, you’ll be able to really eat magnolia flowers. Not all magnolia flowers are tasty, so ensure to totally establish them earlier than consuming. As an example, you don’t need to feast on the magnolia stellata.
The most well-liked magnolia for consuming is the saucer magnolia, Magnolia x soulangeana. Finest eaten after they’re nonetheless buds, they style very gingery however also can lean in direction of the bitter facet. So, take a nibble earlier than you commit! The darker pinks and combination of pink/white flowers can have the strongest flavours.
Deal with the flower like a condiment or spice. The edible elements embody the petals and the magnolia ‘pineapples’ that are the middle of the flower. You need to use them to steep a tea or dried up as a spice for just a little zest and ginger substitute. You may also pickle the flowers. Whereas they don’t protect their color, the flavour will style like pickled ginger.
You may study extra about edible flowers on this put up.
Alexis Nikole, or ‘Black Forager’ on Instagram and TikTok, makes use of magnolia flowers to make her personal model of ginger snaps…magnolia snap cookies! She makes a magnolia syrup to get the spicy flavour from the flowers.
The way to Develop a Magnolia Tree
As you understand, there are lots of totally different magnolia tree varieties. So that you need to ensure to comply with the rising and planting directions on your particular magnolia. Look to the plant tag for care directions and identification. However listed below are some basic ideas for rising a magnolia tree.
When choosing a location, plant your magnolia in full solar. They want at the least six hours of solar per day to thrive. As early bloomers, generally frost can harm the flowers. To keep away from this, don’t plant a magnolia tree in shady or frosty areas.
Select a location with well-draining soil as they don’t like having moist ft. They like impartial to barely acidic soil (test your soil with this simple at-home pH take a look at). Water your magnolia when it’s first getting established and through any intervals of intense drought.
When it comes to upkeep, there isn’t a lot that you must do for the magnolia. No fertilizer is critical and so they’re usually pest and disease-free.
For pruning, you solely must trim again damaged branches or these for shaping functions. Prune in mid-summer to early autumn (after flowering and earlier than dormancy).
Smaller magnolias may additionally develop in pots. On this case, give them good drainage and plant in high-quality potting soil. Additionally they want some shelter from the wind.
Often Requested Questions About Rising a Magnolia Tree
Most magnolia timber bloom in early spring, even earlier than their leaves have unfurled. They’re a few of the first bloomers of the spring, usually blooming from March to April.
You could even get a second spherical of blooms into the summer time, although that is uncommon. To realize this, your magnolia wants excellent rising situations. It’s most typical with saucer magnolia timber.
A magnolia tree’s development price will fluctuate relying on the species. Usually, they’ve a average development price. Magnolias will attain maturity in 10 to twenty years. As they get nearer to their full maturity, their development price will decelerate.
Deciduous magnolia timber are greatest planted whereas they’re dormant in late fall or early winter in the event you dwell in a hotter local weather. In chilly climates, early spring is greatest. Evergreen magnolias ought to be planted in early spring.
Nonetheless, each time your backyard centre has them on the market, it’s an okay time to plant them. So long as the bottom is workable and also you water them till they’re well-established, they need to just do effective.
Magnolia timber usually don’t require a lot pruning. Solely trim a magnolia tree if it has a diseased or damaged department, or if you wish to form it.
Magnolia timber bloom on outdated wooden so that you need to watch out with pruning. Trim in mid-summer to early fall for shaping because the tree blooms in early spring. If the plant is diseased or damaged, prune at any time.
Crops flip yellow for a lot of causes, oftentimes it’s an indication of misery. Nonetheless, if it’s a deciduous magnolia, take into account if it’s a seasonal change. Like all deciduous timber, the leaves will change color and shed within the fall. If there’s a sudden drop in temperature, this may very well be sooner than regular.
Different causes for yellowing leaves might come up from lack of water throughout a critical drought or not sufficient drainage within the soil.
You may also take into account testing your soil’s pH and see if there’s a nutrient deficiency. Additionally study the branches, trunk, and leaves, for any indicators of ailments or pests.
Magnolia timber really are certainly one of spring’s biggest pleasures. In case you dwell in a magnolia-friendly space, I extremely recommend you plant one in your personal yard to take pleasure in. Let me know any of your additional magnolia questions down beneath!
Extra Suggestions for Rising Bushes
A metropolis woman who realized to backyard and it modified the whole lot. Creator, artist, Grasp Gardener. Higher residing by way of crops.
