Magnolia grandiflora |
Origin: Eastern North America
Zone Range: 6-9
Preferred Situation: Full to semi sun; well draining deep acidic humus rich soil.
Harvest Date: Wednesday 10 October, 2007
Description:
A majestic evergreen magnolia species with large glossy leaves with a russet fuzz on the underside. Huge 20cm single creamy white sweetly fragrant flowers scent the air in June. Fast growing in the right spot. It is not uncommon for mature trees to reach 20 meters tall with half the spread. Of course there are smaller cultivars but here we offer the species in all its glory.
Notes:
Magnolias are shallow rooted so don't plant near houses because of root/building foundation confrontations, which the tree will win every time.
Cultivation:
Never let magnolia seed dry out as this kills the embryo. Sow immediately 2 cm deep, keep moist, keep the pot outside to enable the short period of cold stratification for May germination. 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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