Magnolia soulangeana |
Native Region: Far East parentage.
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Climate: Full sun; well draining humus rich soil.
Harvest Date: Wednesday 29 December, 2010
Seed count: 12-15
Description:
Prolific, vigorous flowering hybrid of M. denudata and M. liliiflora. The flower form is much like it's M. denudata parent, but the colouring and smaller stature is from it's M. liliflora heritage. Deciduous multi branched shrub to 5 meters tall and equal spread. Flower petals are wide, upright and edible. Mid green leaves cast cool summer shade. Simply gorgeous display of large cup and saucer flowers in early-mid spring.
Notes:
Another member of this successful ancient genus. One of the first of the flowering plants to evolve 120 million years go. Seedlings are slow to start, but my three year old saplings put over 30 cm of growth in height and branches. Never ever lime magnolias. Loves composted bark mulch. Gives few flowers if grown in shade.
Cultivation:
Never let magnolia seed dry out as this kills the embryo. Sow immediately 2 cm deep, keep moist, keep the pot outside to finish the cold stratification cycle of 120 days. Sunlight inhibits germination. Most seed will germinate in May with the remaining the following May. Newly emerging seedlings need indirect light/dappled shade at first then stronger light as they put down a larger root system. Protect from nibbling pests two years.
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