Magnolia denudata; M. heptapeta, |
Origin: Far East; China
Zone Range: 5-8
Preferred Situation: Full sun; deep well draining evenly moist garden soil.
Harvest Date: Thursday 11 October, 2007
Description:
Deciduous multi branched shrub to 9 meters tall and equal spread. Beautiful pure white orchid scented blossoms appear before leaves in April (in zone 7). Flower petals are wide, upright and edible (flower buds are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine). Mid green leaves cast cool summer shade. Parent of the hybrid Saucer (Soulangeana) Magnolia series.
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 new growth. Never ever lime magnolias. Loves composted bark mulch. Gives few flowers if grown in shade. Its large white flowers are a symbol of purity, it is often planted on Chinese Buddist Temple grounds with some specimens exceed 300 years of age.
Cultivation:
Will only be available for a short time before I sow them for myself. 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. Note: seed beginning to sprout are too fragile to ship (and are all mine!). 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).
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