Characteristics of the magnolia plant, advice on planting and caring for a backyard, how to reproduce, diseases and pests that arise during cultivation, curious notes, species.
Magnolia is a plant in the Magnoliaceae family. This genus combines 240 varieties. The area of natural distribution includes the North American lands and the eastern regions of Asia (namely Korea, Japan and China). In the wild in Russia, you can find the type of magnolia obovata (Magnolia obovata), where it grows on the island lands of Kunashir.
| Family name | Magnolia |
| Growing period | Perennial |
| Vegetation form | Shrubs or trees |
| Breeding method | Vegetative (cuttings, with the help of grafts and layering), occasionally seed |
| Landing period | Landing in the spring only after the return frosts have passed or in the middle of autumn |
| Landing rules | The depth of the hole should be 3 times the size of the root system |
| Priming | Lightweight, nourishing and draining. Lime is strictly prohibited. |
| Soil acidity values, pH | 6, 5-7 - neutral, 5-6 slightly acidic or below 5 - acidic |
| Lighting degree | Open sunny location with shade at noon and protection from cold winds |
| Humidity parameters | Regular watering |
| Special care rules | Do not allow the soil to dry out |
| Height values | 3-12 m |
| Inflorescences or type of flowers | Single large flowers |
| Flower color | White, cream, crimson |
| Flowering period | Depends on the place of cultivation - from April to June |
| Decorative time | Spring Summer |
| Application in landscape design | Single and group plantings, alley decoration |
| USDA zone | Occasionally 5, but mostly 6-8 |
The genus of these flowering plants got its name thanks to the botanist Charles Plumier, who decided to immortalize the name of his French colleague Pierre Magnol (1638-1715). Later, the same term "magnolia" was used by Karl Linnaeus, who was engaged in the taxonomy of all representatives of the flora in the work Species plantarum, dating back to 1753. In Russian, at first, the name "magnolia" gradually underwent a transformation to the well-known to us - magnolia. In some countries, the plant is called the "paradise tree".
All representatives of the genus can have both shrub and tree-like growth. At the same time, they are characterized by both deciduous and evergreen deciduous mass. Height, depending on the form of growth, also varies and ranges from 3 m to 12 m. The bark, which covers the trunks of magnolia, has an ash-grayish tint or takes on a brown color scheme. Its surface is smooth or with scales and grooves. On the shoots, there are not only large leaf scars, but also scars from stipules with narrowed annular outlines.
The leaf plates of the Mangolia are also large, most often taking obovate or oval outlines. The foliage is entire, on its surface there is a feathery venation. In this case, the veins of the 2nd order, before reaching the edge of the sheet plate, are connected (anastomosed). When a young leaf unfolds, it is covered by stipules. The color of the leaves is a rich green color.
Magnolia flowers are bisexual and large in size. When flowering, a fragrant and strong aroma is carried nearby. The petals in the corolla are characterized by a white, cream or crimson shade. Buds are formed at the ends of the shoots singly. The perianth of the calyx is composed of three petals, the petals can be infused from 3 to 6 pairs, and sometimes there are 9 of them. In this case, the arrangement of the petals is in the form of tiles, forming 2, 3 or 4 circles. The number of stamens, as well as pistils, is large; they are attached to a receptacle with the shape of an elongated spindle.
Many varieties of magnolias are characterized by flowers that adapt to the pollination process carried out by beetles. At the same time, the stigmas of the pistils are ready for pollination when the magnolia flowers are in the bud state, but after the corolla opens, this property is lost. Therefore, pollinating beetles penetrate the bud and are already pollinating the flower.
The fruit that ripens later is a concatenated leaflet with pineal outlines. It is composed of many 1–2-seed leaflets, which, when ripe, begin to open along the seam on the back. The shape of the seeds is ovoid-wedge-shaped, in the form of a triangle. The color of the seeds is black, but the seed is fleshy with a red or pinkish color. When the leaflets open, the seeds hang from them on fine seed strings.
Although the plant differs in some features during cultivation, the work invested in it is worth it, and such a flowering bush or tree will become a real decoration of the garden.
Magnolia Planting and Gardening Tips
- Place for planting a plant and his first wintering must be thought out in the most careful way. Since this representative of the flora is still a "resident" of warm climatic zones, the conditions of our lands for magnolia will be a little stressful situation. Therefore, before purchasing a seedling of this "paradise tree", you should think carefully about everything and make sure that all the requirements for growing are met. The location where the magnolias will be comfortable should be secluded and well-lit. However, at noon, the scorching rays of the sun should not penetrate the plant, so as not to burn the leaves and flowers. It is advisable that the tree or bush be protected from the northerly winds and any occasional draft. Taller trees growing on the east and north sides will serve as such protection. The best place for a tree or bush will be a place between any buildings that exceed the magnolia in height or in the southeast direction.
- Magnolia soil is an important aspect, since an incorrectly selected substrate can destroy the plant. The "Paradise tree" is quite delicate and will not be able to develop normally in soil characterized by high humidity or dryness, too high or low acidity, and salinity. It is important to know what kind of magnolia you plan to grow, since different types require different acidity values. For these plants, acidity can be neutral (pH 6, 5–7), slightly acidic (pH 5–6), or acidic (pH below 5). The soil mixture itself should be light, drained and nutritious, usually it is made up of peat, river sand, leaf and sod soil in a ratio of 4: 1: 1: 1. Compost can be added for nutrition. If the soil on the site is calcareous, then the plant can quickly die, so peat chips are added to it to increase acidity. Sandy, heavy and waterlogged substrate is completely unsuitable.
- Planting magnolia. The planting hole is dug in accordance with the size of the plant: a large specimen will require more deepening. The diameter of the hole should be up to one meter, and three times the volume of the root system. At the same time, a layer of drainage material will need to be laid on the bottom of the pit, which is usually small gravel, pebbles or broken brick. This layer must be sprinkled with a small amount of prepared soil mixture. A magnolia sapling is placed in a hole and the roots are straightened. The root collar of the plant should be flush with the soil in the area. After that, the pit is covered with a substrate, but in such a way that a shallow groove is formed in the near-trunk circle - then the water will not spread during watering. Then the soil is moistened, and the trunk circle is mulched with peat chips or bark of coniferous trees. The timing of planting magnolia can be different. It can be carried out in the fall, when the seedling is in a dormant state, the so-called "hibernation". It was during this period that its growth stopped. Planting should take place no later than mid-late October, but without necessarily waiting for severe frosts. Spring is also suitable (but there is no consensus). One part of gardeners recommends choosing the time with the arrival of April for planting magnolia, as well as a large number of tree-like representatives of the flora, while others believe that return frosts can damage the seedlings. If the planting in the fall was carried out according to all the rules, then the magnolia sapling with a 100% probability takes root safely.
- Watering for manolia, frequent and abundant is recommended, but without waterlogging of the soil. This aspect is also important when growing a plant, especially in the first three years of growth. If the weather is hot and dry for a long time, then they monitor so that the substrate never dries out. In order for the soil to retain moisture for a long time, mulching of the trunk circle is needed.
- Fertilizers for magnolias will be required if they were not used in the preparation of the pit for planting. Also, starting from the third year of cultivation, in order to increase the growth rate, it will be necessary to make organic fertilizing or complete mineral complexes, such as Kemira-Universal in the spring-summer period (1 tbsp dissolves in 10 liters of water). You can use granular products that are scattered in the near-trunk circle. All fertilizers are recommended to be applied from March to the end of summer. Nitrogen fertilizing should not be applied from mid-July, as they can contribute to subsequent freezing in the winter. Some gardeners prepare fertilizers on their own, combining ammonium nitrate, urea and mullein in a ratio of 20 g: 15 g: 1 kg, respectively. This mixture is diluted in a 10 liter bucket of water. At the same time, it is recommended to apply up to 40 liters of solution under one magnolia tree. It is impossible to exceed the dosage of fertilizers, since the dying old foliage will indicate an excess of them at the end of July. To solve the problem, it is recommended to carry out abundant soil moistening every week.
- Magnolia pruning carried out in the spring, if the shoots have not been able to avoid freezing. The branches are cut to a healthy woody part, the places of the cuts are immediately coated with garden pitch. Also, all shoots that have dried up, damaged or crossed inside the crown must be removed. However, you do not need to deal with molding the magnolia crown.
- General advice on care. Magnolia, like any plant, requires regular mulching of the near-stem circle with sawdust or peat, as well as measures to control weeds.
- Magnolia wintering - this is a separate topic, since the plant is thermophilic and our winters are always stressful for it. It is important to insulate not only the trunk (that is, the aboveground part), but also the root system (what is underground). The lower part of the bush or tree is sprinkled with mulching materials of organic origin: sawdust, dried foliage, and the like. The top requires shelter not only from frost, with several layers of burlap. This will protect the branches and buds from freezing. Since the branches of the magnolia are very fragile, care must be taken when wrapping the crown. The upper part also needs protection from rodents, which can spoil the trunks of the "paradise tree" in the first few years. It is also important to cover the plants with special means. Usually, spruce branches, several layers of burlap or non-woven material (for example, spunbond or lutrasil) serve as such a shelter. The density of such material should be approximately 60 g per m2. They are carefully wrapped around the trunks.
- The use of magnolia in landscape design. Since the plant differs not only in spectacular flowering, but also in foliage, branching shoots, grayish color of the bark, it will always serve as a decoration of the personal plot. However, the "tree of paradise" is still an individual peasant and practically cannot stand any neighborhood, therefore it is recommended to grow it in the form of a tapeworm. Group plantings are also of interest, besides, such magnolia trees can be used to plant trees in alleys. If you really want to have such a plant, and the climatic conditions do not allow this, then you can plant the magnolia in a tub and, with the arrival of the warm season, expose it to the open air, and the rest of the time provide it with room care. Such tub plantings are used to decorate patios, terraces or verandas, adding a southern touch to the design.
Read also about growing goldenrod from seeds, planting and care.
How to reproduce magnolia?
To get such a flowering shrub or tree, you can use vegetative propagation methods, which include grafting, rooting of cuttings and cuttings. The seed method of reproduction also takes place, but in this case, flowering will have to be expected for at least 30 years.
Reproduction of magnolia using seeds
After the berries ripen on the branches, they need to be collected and seeds removed. This is due to the fact that it is not possible to save leaflets until spring. Since the seeds have a dense, oily coating, it is recommended to scarify them. With such an action, it is necessary to destroy the seed shell by sawing or puncturing it. But here it is important not to damage the inside.
After that, the seeds need to be washed in a weak soap-based solution to remove the oily coating, and after that they are thoroughly rinsed in clean water. For sowing, it is required to pour universal soil into the seedling container, you can take the soil for seedlings or a peat-sand mixture. Seeds are buried to a depth of about 3 cm. After that, the seedling boxes are placed in a cold place until the arrival of spring, this can be a cellar. As soon as March comes, the containers with crops are placed in a well-lit and warm place (for example, on a windowsill), the soil is constantly kept moist and young magnolia sprouts are expected.
When seedlings appear, their growth at first will be rapid, and the height in just the first year can vary between 20-50 cm. Only when one year has passed from the moment of planting, the plants are dived and planted in a prepared place in the garden, where the peat substrate is prudently laid.
Reproduction of magnolias by layering
This type of reproduction is more preferable than seed and is applicable in the first growing years, since the growth rate during this period is very high. In the spring months, a healthy shoot is folded down, which is closest to the soil surface and where it comes into contact with the ground, it is placed in a specially dug groove. Then, in this place, the branch is fixed with a stiff wire and sprinkled with a substrate so that the upper part of the shoot is above the soil surface. Layering care is carried out in the same way as for the mother magnolia. When 1-2 years have passed after the operation, root layers will be formed on the layer. Then you can separate it from the adult specimen and transplant it into a greenhouse (nursery) for growing.
Reproduction of magnolia by cuttings
In order to get a seedling, blanks from semi-lignified branches are used, but this method is suitable for those who have a greenhouse. Some gardeners use a mini-greenhouse with bottom heating of the soil. This is due to the fact that in greenhouse conditions it is possible to ensure regulation of air humidity and temperature indicators, which is a very important aspect when rooting cuttings.
Cuttings for grafting are recommended to be cut during the last week of June, since magnolia at this time is characterized by a peak vegetation rate. Cuttings must be cut from young bushes or trees. 2–3 leaf plates should be left on the branch, the length of the cutting should be 10–15 cm. The lower cut of the workpiece is processed with any root formation stimulator, for example, heteroauxinic acid or Kornevin. Cuttings are planted in pots filled with moderately moist peat-sandy soil (river sand can be combined in half with perlite). When rooting, it is important that the soil always remains in this slightly moist state.
Cover the seedlings with a glass container or use a cut plastic bottle (no bottom). Rooting temperature should be in the range of 19-22 degrees.
Important
If the temperature is lower or higher than the specified one, or the soil dries up at least once, then the magnolia cuttings will die.
When two months have passed, cuttings taken from any variety of magnolias will successfully root if the above rules have not been violated. But only this rule does not apply to the type of large-flowered magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), since in order for the roots to appear on its cuttings, it will take at least 4 months to wait. When a year has passed after rooting, then only in this case can the seedlings be transplanted to a prepared place in the garden.
Diseases and pests arising from the cultivation of magnolia in the open field
A warm climate has long been considered an important aspect in the cultivation of this exotic plant, but today there are species that take root and bloom well in a temperate and even cold climatic zone. However, if the rules of agricultural technology are violated, problems inevitably arise, such as:
- Chlorosis, which provokes improperly selected soil, if the soil is strongly alkaline with acidity (pH 7-8), then the root system of magnolia is damaged and dies, and the foliage reacts with a pale color, with bright green veins.
- High acidity of the substrate - less than pH 6, 5, then the foliage begins to turn yellow and die.
- An excess of nitrogen fertilizers, this will increase the chance of magnolia freezing.
- General overdose of dressings, then the growth rate is inhibited, since soil salinization has occurred and it is recommended to carry out abundant soil moisture every day to correct the situation.
- Drying the soil will lead to the rapid death of a magnolia tree or bush, and drought can also provoke the appearance of pests, such as, for example, spider mites.
Among the pests that can annoy magnolias are:
- Mice, which, during the winter months, vole mice dig holes in the soil of the trunk circle and gnaw at the root system. For protection, as soon as the substrate freezes in the fall, it is recommended to carefully cover the trunk circle.
- Krotov, also causing irreparable harm due to the fact that the animal undermines the roots of magnolia.
- Spider mite which sucks nourishing juices from the foliage, so it turns yellow and falls off. Also, a thin cobweb begins to cover the branches and leaves, it is possible that a honeydew (a product of the vital activity of an insect with a sticky base) may appear, subsequently provoking a sooty fungus. For the fight, spraying with insecticides, such as Fitoverm or Aktara, is used.
If, upon examination, it was found that there are injuries and wounds on the plant trunk, then it is necessary to immediately carry out the treatment with a fungicidal preparation, for example, garden varnish or Fundazol (solution of 1% concentration).
Read also about the fight against diseases and pests of griselinia
Curious notes about the magnolia tree
Scientists have found out during excavations that these plants were common on the planet during the Tertiary and Cretaceous periods. The territory of their distribution reached the modern Arctic. The genus became isolated a very long time ago, when bees on the planet did not yet exist and therefore beetles are engaged in the pollination process. However, so that the carpels are not damaged or eaten by beetles, they are tough.
Interesting
Magnolia flowers do not have distinct sepals and petals.
In the United States, it is customary to use magnolia wood for the manufacture of not only furniture, but also all kinds of joinery, as well as boards for containers, all of which are applicable for export to Europe. Well, if we talk about the primordial use in Asia, then from olden times the craftsmen have made scabbards and handles for Japanese knives, called "Saya" and "Tsuka", from lithium wood, respectively. Samurai swords were called "Nihon to".
Description of magnolia species
Magnolia kobus
grows in the northern regions and is characterized by resistance, endurance and undemanding care. Japanese and Chinese lands are considered to be its homeland. The height of the plant varies in the range of 25-30 m, however, when grown as a garden crop, even reaching 40 years old, the tree will not exceed 5 m in height and takes the form of a bush. When the plant is young, the crown has a pyramidal shape, but over time it begins to round and becomes spherical with a reduced type of branching of the shoots.
When blooming, which occurs in the period of April-May, erect flowers open, the petals in them are characterized by a milky tint on the inside or have a crimson base, while the outside is painted in a greenish tone. When fully expanded, the flower reaches 10–12 cm in diameter. During flowering, a strong pleasant aroma spreads. When autumn comes, the foliage changes from dark emerald to a yellowish brown color scheme. The last leaves will fall off in the middle of autumn.
Although the plant is particularly unpretentious and adaptable to cold climates, it is rarely grown in our latitudes, since the period from the moment the seeds sprout to flowering can be 30 years.
Magnolia obovate (Magnolia obovata)
it is characterized by a tree-like form of growth, reaching a height of 6–8 m, but rare specimens can grow up to 15-meter indicators. A large number of buds bloom during flowering. The flowering period is from mid-May or early June. The petals of the cupped flowers are creamy whitish. Their diameter is 13–15 cm. At the same time, a strong aroma is heard nearby.
Magnolia tripetala
may occur under the name Umbrella magnolia. A characteristic difference from other varieties are rather large leaves, the length of which can be measured 60 cm. The shape of the leaf plate is obovate, elongated. The color of the deciduous mass is dark green on the upper side, while the opposite has pubescence, which is why its color is greenish-gray. The leaves gather at the tops of the branches, taking on an umbrella shape. The diameter of the flowers at full disclosure is measured at 25 cm. The petals are white-cream. When blooming, you can hear a strong, but not very pleasant aroma. Flowering is extended up to 20 days, while its beginning falls in mid-May and ends around the beginning of summer. Despite its winter hardiness, the plant needs to be covered for the winter months.
Magnolia soulangeana
is a hybrid plant obtained by crossing Magnolia liliiflora and Magnolia denudata. This species is most commonly found in flower or specialty stores. This variety was obtained in the 19th century thanks to the Frenchman Etienne Soulange and therefore is named after him. The flowers are bacal-shaped, rounded and somewhat similar in shape to tulips.
The color of the petals on the outside pleases the eye with a pinkish-purple hue, and the inside of the corolla is whitish-pink. The diameter of multiple flowers reaches 10–25 cm. The buds begin to open from late April to early May. The species is represented by a tree with a low crown or shrubs with small parameters in height, ranging from 5–10 m. When autumn comes, it turns from dark green foliage into dirty yellow.
Magnolia liliflora
has a natural distribution in China. Usually the plant has a shrubby form of growth, while the branches do not stretch more than 6 meters in height. It is characterized by flowering that takes almost a month. In the process of flowering, the flowers are revealed, characterized by a white core and a crimson color of the petals on the outside. The diameter of the flower when fully expanded is 11–13 cm, the corolla is formed of six petals that resemble lily petals. Flowering that occurs for the first time in April may have a second wave in late summer.
Magnolia stellata
often has tree-like outlines, in rare cases it looks like a shrub, the branches of which can reach 5-6 m in height. The crown is characterized by the shape of an oval or sphere, while its width is 4.5–5 m. When this variety blooms, a pleasant and persistent aroma spreads around it, enveloping all the surroundings. This species is distinguished by the earliest flowering, which falls on the period of March-April, and only then dark emerald leaf plates will unfold on the branches. The length of the leaf is 7–10 cm, while with the arrival of autumn, their color takes on a bronze-yellow tint.
Magnolia Loebneri (Magnolia x loebneri)
is a hybrid obtained by crossing the cobus magnolia and stellate magnolia. At the same time, the plant received the most acceptable qualities from the basic species: firmness and spectacular crown outlines (from the first), a wonderful aroma of blossoming flowers (from the second).
The crown is rounded, the tree can reach with branches up to a height of 9 m. The color of the petals in flowers with a slight pinkish tinge. The buds begin to open in mid-spring. Foliage that remains green throughout the summer with the first days of autumn acquires a yellowish-bronze tone.
Ash's magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla ssp.ashei)
This type of magnolia is characterized by its special beauty and endurance. Return frosts can almost never harm the plant. The tree is deciduous and can reach a height of 5–7 meters. Violent flowering can be expected when grown as early as 2–5 years of cultivation.
However, flowering is later than in other species and occurs in the middle, and often the end of May. But at the same time, its duration is longer than that of varieties characterized by early opening of buds. The flowers are large in size and have a cream colored petals. When opened, their diameter is measured in the range of 25–30 cm. The length of leaf plates with amazing outlines can be 50–70 cm.
Video about growing magnolia in the garden:
