Hello GPODers!
We’re persevering with our deep-dive into magnolias with Allyson Levy of Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Gardens right this moment. Make sure you take a look at Half 1 should you missed it yesterday, because it offers an ideal introduction to magnolias and tells the story of why these lovely timber maintain a particular that means to Allyson. When you’re able to see extra of the spectacular array of various magnolias that decision Hortus residence, carry on scrolling.
The genus magnolia is one among solely two genera within the magnolia household (Magnoliaceae); the opposite is tulip poplar (Liriodendron spp.), which has two species, whereas there are about 220 species of magnolias. Thanks to all of the botanists and breeders liable for hybridizing the totally different species and cultivars. Due to their efforts, there’s a beautiful number of flower colours, sizes, and shapes.
Flowers vary from full tulip-like blooms on Genie magnolia (M. × ‘Genie’, Zones 4–9) (above) to timber that produce floppy flowers the dimensions of a dinner plate like bigleaf magnolia (M. macrophylla, Zones 5–8). Others, like Siebold’s magnolia (M. sieboldii, Zones 6–8), have small upside-down dealing with flowers that invite a more in-depth view, even when it’s in your knees, to lookup at them.
‘Genie’ displaying lovely cup-like, wealthy maroon coloured flowers.
Utilizing me for scale, one can simply see why the frequent title for this native tree is bigleaf magnolia. It may be bigflower magnolia, too!
Magnolia sieboldi has small downward-facing flowers all through most of summer season.
Breeding has additionally produced a large colour palette, with stable colours of whites, yellows, pinks, reds, and purples. Many magnolia species and hybrids are additionally stained with a number of colours, just like the slow-growing (however so price it) Woodsman magnolia (M. × brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’, Zones 5–9) (above). This tree begins with very darkish purple, virtually black flower buds, which then opens to disclose pinks, yellows, and purple tepals all on the identical time.
In comparison with ‘Black Magnificence’ magnolia (M. × brooklynensis ‘Black Magnificence’, Zones 5–9) that produces very darkish, virtually black flower buds however darkish purple flowers.
All magnolias have alternate, complete (smooth-edged) leaves, however that’s just about the place the similarities finish. Leaves fluctuate from furry to {smooth} and may be small or large. Bigleaf magnolia timber produce the most important easy leaf in North America, sometimes spanning as much as three toes! Whereas some magnolias are deciduous, others produce leaves that stay on the tree all through winter, such because the Bracken’s Brown Magnificence magnolia (M. grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Magnificence’, Zones 5–9) (above), with shiny darkish inexperienced higher leaves and a shocking brown felted underside, like a miniature fuzzy blanket for the leaf’s backside.
The fantastic coloration of the evergreen leaves on the Southern magnolia ‘Bracken’s Brown Magnificence’. (Photograph taken February 1st, 2025.)
Thanks a lot for an additional academic and inspiration submission, Allyson! As we inch nearer to spring, I eagerly anticipate the primary bursts of colour that so many flowering timber give us early within the season. Your info has given me a complete new perspective on the magnolias I’ll quickly seen in full bloom on the fringe of driveways close to me.
Do you have got a flowering tree (or a couple of) you could’t wait to see placed on its springtime present? In case you have photos from final 12 months’s show, let’s get a style of spring colour on the weblog earlier than we’ve got to attend to see it in actual life any longer! Share your spring backyard photographs from final 12 months by following the instructions under, or ship me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
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The Nature of Oaks: The Wealthy Ecology of Our Most Important Native Bushes
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The Nature of Oaks reveals what’s going on in oak timber month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, loss of life, and renewal. From woodpeckers who accumulate and retailer tons of of acorns for sustenance to the fantastic thing about jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that happen proper in our personal backyards. He additionally shares sensible recommendation about tips on how to plant and look after an oak, together with details about the most effective oak species on your space.
Rain Chicken PATIOKIT Drip Irrigation Patio Watering Package
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– Full 42-piece drip irrigation equipment eliminates watering by hand
– Offers drip irrigation for as much as 6 planters
– Simple to assemble: simply connect to faucet, minimize tubing and join watering units
– Attaches simply to your outside faucet or hose
DeWalt Variable-Velocity Cordless Reciprocating Noticed
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You may match quite a lot of blades to this noticed to chop fallen branches or prune bigger limbs from timber in a pinch. It’s quick, powerful, simple to make use of, and intensely versatile.
– 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
– 1-1/8-inch stroke size
– Variable pace set off with 0-3000 spm
