Magnolia insignis |
Syn. Manglietia insignis
Native Region: Yunnan, China
Zone Range: 7-10
Preferred Climate: Full to semi sun; well draining deep acidic soils
Harvest Date: Saturday 07 January, 2012
Seed count: 12-15
Description:
Of all the magnolia planted in our garden, this is among the 'must have'. I fell instantly in love when looking at Piroche's site. Flowers range in colour from pale pink to a true red depending upon the individual, but all are highly fragrant. Lovely glossy thick elongated leaves. Grows fairly quickly and can reach 20 meters in height or more. Though considered endangered, its becoming increasingly popular as its proving more hardier than expected.
Notes:
I will be growing more of these subtropical beauties. Seed pre treated with a 18 hour soak of Skookum Grow. Good cut test.
Cultivation:
Cold stratifying seed for prompt germination. Never let magnolia seed overly dry out as this kills the embryo. Sow immediately 2 cm deep in pots and provide gentle warmth to germinate or baggie sow (see our article) and prick out the kids as they spout. Sunlight inhibits germination. 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. All magnolias growing in temperate regions have identical seed germination requirements where no special treatment is needed other than sowing and cold stratification (experience cold damp conditions).
|
