Magnolia virginiana |
Origin: Eastern North America
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Situation: Full to semi sun; moist, humus rich, deep well draining soils.
Harvest Date: Sunday 14 October, 2007
Description:
Well known for its smooth gray bark, oblong leaves that are green above and white below, and for its sweet lemony scented creamy white 5-10 cm flowers that appear in abundance in June. The form of this magnolia varies depending on the site. Here in the north, its a multistemmed suckering shrub to 8 meters tall with equal spread. In the south, its more tree like reaching 15 meters in height with half the spread. Can be evergreen or deciduous.
Notes:
This magnolia grows over a wide range over eastern North America, with the best growth noted where the summers are long and hot. Can create a small thicket by suckering...which means more trees to plant on the estate. Drought tolerant when established. Never ever lime magnolias. Loves composted bark mulch. Gives few flowers if grown in shade.
Cultivation:
Stratifying seed...will only be available until they begin to germinate then they're all mine. Never let seed dry out as this kills the embryo within. Break dormancy: sow immediately 2 cm deep, keep moist; cold stratify 60-90 days at 4C; move to 25 C to germinate; light hinders germination (needs darkness) but expose newly emerging seedlings to indirect light/dappled shade as seedlings emerge. Months to germ: 4-18. Protect from nibbling pests two years.
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