If you have a magnolia outdoors, you can count yourself lucky. Here in Germany, there are only a few hobby gardeners who have a magnolia in their garden. The beauty is demanding and finds it difficult to thrive in our weather conditions. But that shouldn’t stop us from learning a little more about the magnolia, should it? And to admire their unique blooms in pictures. You will also find out interesting facts about the origin of this exotic species and below you will find a few practical tips for caring for the magnolia. Stay tuned and stay informed.
Delicate flowers with a very subtle scent.
- Magnolia – ancestor of all flowering plants
The magnolia is named after the French botanist Pierre Mangol. There are deciduous and evergreen species. The beautiful tree (or shrub) is in full bloom during the spring weeks (April and May) and stuns the senses with a subtle yet distinctive scent. A magnolia tree is always so striking that it does not leave passers-by indifferent. Due to his somewhat extravagant appearance, he always attracts many curious and envious looks. However, many people only admire its natural beauty. However, few people know that the magnolia family colonized the earth 100 million years ago. They probably belong to the family of the oldest flowering plants in our world. Today, the magnolia has a fairly primitive flower structure and its petals are not fused together. This is also evidence of the early origins of the magnolia and its relationship to green deciduous plants. There were also native magnolias in Central Europe, but unfortunately they disappeared during the Ice Age.
Around 200 species of magnolia adorn the world today.
However, the magnolia has adapted wonderfully to the climatic conditions in North and Central America and in East Asia and can be found everywhere in these regions. American magnolia species often grow tall and develop into tall trees. The East Asian ones are smaller in stature, but somewhat more frost hardy than the magnolias in the USA. In recent years, scientists have been trying to get new breeds that combine the best characteristics of the East Asian and American species. This is how hardy and early-flowering hybrid varieties such as “Butterflies” and “Yellow Bird” were created. Their yellow colored flowers are attractive and something completely new for us Europeans.
The hybrid variety magnolia “Yellow bird” surprises with beautiful yellow colored flowers.
- Where and how does the magnolia thrive best?
Give your magnolia enough space in the garden, because its crown will expand over the years. Even smaller varieties require a few square meters of floor space. The location of the magnolia must be strategically chosen so that the tree can be seen from different angles of the garden. In its heyday it is always a real highlight outside. The location may still need to be sheltered from the wind. The beautiful magnolia tree prefers a slightly acidic, evenly moist and humus-rich soil. Enrich it with a layer of bark mulch and the magnolia will thank you with its fragrant abundance of flowers. You can plant the ground with ground cover, which can be combined well with the magnolia tree. Such are, for example, the foam flower (Tiarella) or the small periwinkle (Vinca). Good partners for the magnolia are also the early bloomers in the bed, primarily the daffodils, crocuses and sweet violets. Only with the geranium does the magnolia tree not get along well.
The magnolia tree adorns the front yard and welcomes your guests!
Depending on the type and variety, the magnolias grow differently in height and width. The most typical colors of its flowers are white and pink, but there are new breeds that offer a richer variety of colors. The natural splendor of the magnolias comes into its own in front of the green of their quite large, often oval-shaped leaves. You can find out more about the individual varieties and their flowers here.
Quite large green leaves and white flowers – nature’s art!
- Practical care tips for magnolia trees
The magnolia actually has high demands on the climatic conditions and the soil, otherwise it is easy to care for. The best time to plant such a beautiful tree is in spring. A magnolia takes 5 to 10 years to properly plant. Sometimes it takes even longer until it forms the first flowers. Only 30-year-old magnolia trees unfold their full bloom. They can live to be over 100 years old. But let’s get back to the care tips. If the magnolia has already taken root, then it is easy to continue caring for it. Compared to other flower beauties such as climbing roses or wisteria, magnolias do not need regular pruning. You only need to mulch your magnolia thickly in winter, when temperatures can drop enormously here.
Otherwise, these trees are resistant to pests and diseases, which is another plus in their care. The wonderfully fragrant blossoms of the magnolia trees attract bees and beetles. These insects are vital for proper growth, pollination, and the beautiful flowering season of magnolias.
Magnolias get by with little care.
But it is only when they are older that the sensitive divas unfold their full beauty.
Natural beauty that enchants.
The magnolia branches also cut a fine figure in the vase.
Minimalist decoration with magnolia branch
Bring out the beauty of magnolia.
The magnolia blossoms symbolize a longing for warmth and closeness.
Wonderful decoration for the home!
