Magnolia trees are a true mark that springiness is here . Along with some bulb , they emerge ahead of time in the spring when we ’re just coming out of wintertime ’s clutch . If you are a Modern magnolia parent ( or interested in becoming one ) , here is everything you involve to know about develop the magnificent and alluring magnolia tree .
natural spring in Vancouver is a beautiful time of the class thanks to thecherry blossomsand the magnolia trees . In April , I ’m golden enough to be beautify with magnolia flowers in my garden . I have a saucer magnolia with pink flowers that burst before the leave make out out .
Underneath the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , a collection of pinkish petal stack up . Then , the leave of absence will derive out and I know that the warm weather is here to stay . I even get a unexampled round of flower buds in a dark , fuchsia purple . But these ones never open ! Instead , they flow to the ground . I enjoy them still nonetheless .
A saucer magnolia in a beautiful fuchsia pink.
Over the year , I ’ve used all parts of the magnolia tree . I use their unique folio to make beautiful and long - lastingfresh wreaths . Their come fuel pod work asnatural ornamentation . And their fresh petals can even be revel by the taste bud asedible flowers !
If you have a magnolia tree or want to add one to your landscape painting this time of year , here are the wonders of the beautiful plant .
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Meet the Magnolia Tree
Magnolia flowers are well known for their tempting fragrance and large flowers . They come in various spectre and mixes of white and pinkish , though you could also find them in violet and yellow . A very popular ornamental , they can be formed intoespaliers , shrubs , or tree forms .
One of the things I like best about the magnolia is its unique leaves . Some of the magnolia leave have an indumentum . This is a layer of trichomes which are hairy - attend diminutive bristles that cover an area of the plant . On one side of the leaves is a dark glossy super C and on the other , a hairy atomic number 29 colour .
Considered a archaic plant , magnolia trees survive over 100 million years ago . ossified leaves have been found in Europe , North America , and Asia . Today , the plants are only aboriginal to southern China and the southern US.There are around 80 metal money of magnolia trees .
The sweet magnolia tree from America was the first brought to Europe . In China , the flora was cultivated as betimes as the 7thcentury . The Aztecs also turn magnolia trees for their beauty .
Magnolia trees are unique in that they are pollinated by rude wingless beetle . They have no nectar and an copiousness of pollen , existing long before winged insect like bee came around . This is also why they flower in early spring before many worm have appear . It ’s also why most mintage do n’t often fix seeds .
Those that do get pollinated , however , make a dangling fruit . I also do it using their dry out seed pass for ribbon , like in thisair works wreath .
Types of Magnolia Trees
As a general rule of thumb , magnolia tree can maturate quite big . Many advertise them as small - sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , but they ’re still too big for small-scale garden . However , you may be able to locate some dwarf magnolia tree varieties of these popular specie below .
Southern Magnolia Tree
Magnolia grandiflora
Native to the southeasterly United States , southern magnolia are the most vulgar eccentric of evergreen magnolia . The clean bloom are very expectant and fragrant . The leave-taking last a foresighted time , with the popularindumentummentioned above . The leaves are a stand - out dark special K on top and copper underneath .
southerly magnolias can reach up to 100 ft tall though there aremany smaller cultivars available(such as the ‘ Little Gem ’ magnolia tree pictured below ) . They develop in zones 7 to 10 .
Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana
A hybrid magnolia , the dish antenna magnolia is a deciduous magnolia made by cross - breeding the lily magnolia with the lily tree . Some gardener also refer to it as the tulip magnolia tree or merely a tulip tree .
The flowers flower very early , seem before the leaves . They shape cupful - like conformation and can be enjoyed as edible peak . aboriginal coinage are pink white , but you’re able to also find them in burnished pinko and purpleness . Sometimes , you’re able to also get a second round of blooms , though they ’re smaller and may not fully open .
The saucer magnolia can be grow as a unfolding Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or bush , reaching up to 40 ft marvellous and wide . They grow in zones 5 to 9 .
Anise magnolia
Magnolia salicifolia
One of the smaller magnolia tree , the anise magnolia blooms in former outflow before the leaf arrive . It has white heyday with a hint of pink and flimsy leave than most magnolias .
It ’s particularlyknown for its specific anise - lemon odour find in the flower as well as when you strike off the barque .
Anise magnolia trees acquire 20 to 30 feet tall and wide and uprise in zona 4 to 9 .
Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata
This one is all in the name ! People recognise this deciduous magnolia most for itsstar - shaped white flowers . It blossom in former spring , typically around March or April . It has fuzzy bud and a mild redolence .
This is thebest variety for smaller gardens . It may even grow in a container before it pass maturity . They grow up to 15 ft tall and wide . mavin magnolia grow good in zone 3 to 10 .
Edible Uses
As I hinted above , you’re able to actually eat magnolia flowers . Not all magnolia peak are tasty , somake sure to fully identify them before eating . For instance , you do n’t want to banquet on themagnolia stellata .
The most popular magnolia for eating is the dish antenna magnolia , Magnolia x soulangeana . well eaten when they ’re still buds , they taste very gingerybut can also list towards the sulphurous side . So , take a nibble before you commit ! The darker pinks and smorgasbord of pinkish / white flowers will have the strongest smell .
Treat the efflorescence like a condiment or spice . The edible parts include the petals and the magnolia ‘ pineapples ’ which are the center of the flower . you could use them to steep a tea or dried up as a spice for a little zest and pep replacement . you’re able to also pickle the flowers . While they do n’t preserve their color , the tone will taste like pickled ginger .
you could learn efflorescence in this post .
Alexis Nikole , or ‘ Black Forager ’ on Instagram and TikTok , use magnolia flowers to make her own version of powdered ginger snaps … magnolia shoot cookies ! She defecate a magnolia sirup to get the spicy flavour from the flowers .
A post shared by Alexis Nikole 🌾 🍀 ( @blackforager )
How to Grow a Magnolia Tree
As you love , there are many dissimilar magnolia tree varieties . So you want to make certain to observe the growing and planting command for your specific magnolia . Look to the plant ticket for care instructions and designation . But here are some general tips for grow a magnolia tree .
When pick out a location , plant your magnolia in full sunlight . They need at least six hours of sun per day to flourish . As early bloomers , sometimes frost can damage the flower . To avoid this , do n’t plant a magnolia tree in shady or glacial arena .
Choose a location withwell - drain soilas they do n’t like ingest wet foot . They prefer impersonal to more or less acidic grease ( mark your soil with thiseasy at - home pH test).Water your magnolia when it ’s first get establishedand during any periods of acute drouth .
In full term of maintenance , there is n’t much you need to do for the magnolia . No fertilizer is necessary and they ’re typically pest and disease - free .
For pruning , you only need to crop back broken offshoot or those for shaping purposes . Prune in mid - summer to early autumn ( after flowering and before dormancy ) .
littler magnolia may also get in pots . In this cause , give them good drainage and plant inhigh - quality potting soil . They also need some protection from the wind .
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing a Magnolia Tree
Most magnolia trees bloom in other outpouring , even before their leaves have unroll . They ’re some of the first bloomers of the leaping , typically bloom from March to April . You may even get a second round of drinks of blush into the summer , though this is rare . To achieve this , your magnolia involve ideal growing conditions . It ’s most vulgar with discus magnolia tree diagram .
A magnolia Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s development rate will motley depending on the metal money . Typically , they have a moderate growth rate . Magnolias will reach maturity in 10 to 20 year . As they get closer to their full maturity , their growth charge per unit will slow down down .
Deciduous magnolia trees are best planted while they ’re dormant in later gloaming or former wintertime if you live in a warmer climate . In cold climate , other spring is best . Evergreen magnolias should be planted in early spring . However , whenever your garden centre has them for sale , it is an okay metre to plant them . As long as the ground is workable and you water them until they ’re well - established , they should do just fine .
Magnolia trees typically do n’t ask much pruning . Only trim a magnolia tree if it has a diseased or broken branch , or if you want to shape it . Magnolia Tree bloom on old wood so you want to be careful with pruning . Trim in mid - summer to early twilight for defining since the tree blooms in other spring . If the plant is diseased or humbled , prune at any prison term .
Plants wrick chickenhearted for many reasons , oftentimes it ’s a star sign of distraint . However , if it ’s a deciduous magnolia , consider if it ’s a seasonal change . Like all deciduous trees , the leaves will vary colour and shed in the gloam . If there ’s a sudden drop in temperature , this could be earlier than normal . Other causes for yellow leaves could arise from deficiency of pee during a serious drought or not enough drainage in the soil . you’re able to also considertesting your ground ’s pHand see if there is a alimental deficiency . Also examine the branches , trunk , and leave-taking , for any signs of disease or pesterer .
Magnolia trees in truth are one of spring ’s greatest delight . If you live in a magnolia - friendly area , I extremely suggest you plant one in your own yard to bask . Let me know any of your further magnolia question down below !
