Magnolia is a vast genus including over 210 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the Magnoliaceae family and is named after French scientist and botanist Pierre Magnol.Magnolias are evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs with large fragrant flowers that can be bowl-shaped or star-shaped and come in white, pink, purple, green, or yellow colors. In the spring, the flowers of this deciduous species normally develop before the leaves. Cone-like fruits are often grown in the fall.The saucer magnolia, a hybrid sibling of America’s beautiful southern magnolia, is a large spreading plant that gets its name from its huge, saucer-like flowers. It was originally cultivated in 1826 and belonged to the genus Magnolia and the family Magnoliaceae. It is a woody plant with giant, early-blooming flowers in white, pink, and purple. It is one of the most-planted magnolias in the British Isles, particularly in the south of England, and in the United States, mainly on the east and west coasts.If you like this article, why not discover lots of facts about the pine tree and the sequoia tree here on Kidadl?What are the different types of magnolia trees?There are a number of different types of magnolia trees.Anise Magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia), ashe magnolia (Magnolia ashei), bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla), cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata), kobus magnolia (Magnolia kobus), lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), and sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) are some of the most widespread types of magnolia trees.M. soulangeana, often known as the pink magnolia tree, is a deciduous tree. It has lovely flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. Saucer magnolias are low-growing trees, and the flowers are shaped like tea saucers. M. kobus, on the other hand, is a small to medium-sized deciduous magnolia endemic to Japan’s wild regions. When young, it is shaped somewhat pyramidal, maturing to a broad, dense, spherical shape. It is well-known for its shape, fragrance, and pink-tinged blooms that bloom in late winter to early spring.The star magnolia, commonly known as M. stellata or star magnolia, blooms fragrant white flowers. This deciduous magnolia may be utilized as a solitary specimen or as part of a core planting. Star magnolias can grow to be a small tree or large shrub. Late frosts can destroy a magnolia’s early flowers. Several of these magnolia types have rosy pink blooms. The common name for M. stellata is rosea or pink star magnolia.Magnolia And Its SignificanceM. soulangeana, a hybrid of M. liliiflora and M. denudata, is one of the most popular garden magnolias.Shanghai’s national flower is the white magnolia, often known as the Yulan magnolia. Magnolia grandiflora is both Mississippi’s and Louisiana’s official state flower. Mississippi’s moniker ‘Magnolia State’ and state flag reflect the flower’s prominence. Mississippi’s official state tree is the magnolia. Houston has several nicknames, one of which is Magnolia City.Magnolias have traditionally been identified with the southern United States. Magnolia sieboldii is North Korea’s national flower, and Magnolia sieboldii is the official flower of Gangnam.Can you grow magnolia trees in your yard?Most magnolias that bloom in the spring are deciduous.M. soulangeana grows well in most metropolitan areas and soil types, and its flowers come in various colors, although it can easily overwhelm smaller spaces. The tiny and delicate Japanese magnolia stellate is ideal for small gardens and can also be planted in containers. It has beautiful white flowers that grow in the spring and mimic a star. These flowers have a mild sweet fragrance.There are so many options to choose from, but we know not every garden is spacious enough to house a large plant. Here are some recommendations to help you select the right one. When you start looking for magnolias, make sure you pick a shrub-sized species that is commonly planted only for its flowers. Before purchasing, check the plant tag or description to discover the perfect one for your garden because many species develop into large shade trees.Magnolias thrive when planted in the winter or late spring.Since these plants have shallow roots, you will not have to dig a very deep hole. Dig a hole that is the same size as the container your magnolia came in. Avoid destroying the fleshy roots since this might prevent flowers from blooming.Magnolias generally prefer a location in a garden with full sun and only mild shade. However, if you live in a particularly hot or dry area, your plant may benefit from being placed in a spot that is sheltered from the scorching afternoon sun. Avoid exposed, windy areas as much as possible since high gusts of wind can destroy huge blooms and frail limbs.You must pick a type that can endure winters if that is the case in your locality. Your plant will bloom according to how harsh the winters and summers are. Hardiness zone maps are available for Europe, Canada, Australia, China, and Japan, and maps for many additional locations are in the works. You can easily refer to decide which magnolia tree is best for where you live.Provide your magnolia with the proper conditions, including six or more hours of direct sunlight every day. Magnolias dislike damp soil, so avoid planting them in overly moist parts of your yard. Finally, pay attention to what the tag/description says about the mature size of the plant so that you give your magnolia plenty of area to grow out in the following years. Magnolias generally grow in practically any environment, especially if they are protected from severe circumstances.Planting Magnolia TreesM. soulangeana is a large shrub or small tree with alternating glossy, dark green oval-shaped broad leaves on sturdy stems.Its blooms bloom in a variety of white, pink, and purple hues. Fragrant early-spring flowers are white with faint to deep pink or purple undertones. The smooth bark is silvery-gray, and the large, wide leaves are dark green, medium to fast-growing, with a high tolerance for pollutants.This tree prefers wet, deep, acidic soil, and full light. Southern magnolia (M. grandiflora) is suitable for coastal planting but not for dunes. It can withstand some salty sea winds. Sweetbay (M. virginiana) grows well in damp soil. The species and choices listed are adaptable to a broad range of growing situations and are simple to grow for the majority of gardeners. Many blooms are considered delicious. M. grandiflora petals are pickled and served as a spice in areas of England.Buds are pickled and popularly used to flavor rice and perfume tea in several Asian cuisines. M. hypoleuca’s young leaves and flower buds are grilled and eaten as a vegetable in Japan. Older leaves are powdered and used as seasoning. Dried, entire leaves are grilled on a charcoal brazier with miso, leeks, daikon, and shiitake. Hoba miso is a form of miso that is usually seasoned with magnolia petals. M. obovate leaves are utilized for wrapping food and preparing meals in several regions of Japan.Caring For Magnolia TreesEvergreen magnolia trees and shrubs are native to China and the Himalayas and are less hardy than other evergreen magnolias.Acidic, loamy, wet, rich, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils are ideal for growing the saucer magnolia. It can even withstand moderate drought. This tree bears lovely pinkish-white saucer-shaped blooms.M. soulangeana and its several cultivars, sometimes known as tulip trees due to the form and rich color of their blossoms, prefer soil that is rich, acidic, and well-drained. They are not tolerant to strong winds or salt spray. Early-flowering varieties are vulnerable to frost damage.Sargent and Sprenger magnolias from western China and the Himalayas are related to these but less tolerant to winter cold and summer heat.You must keep foot movement to a minimum at the tree’s base. In addition, only trim when necessary. Magnolias are rarely affected by insects therefore, tree care should be quite easy. Magnolias flourish in full sun or moderate shade. Make sure your plant receives adequate water and is placed in well-drained soil.Many magnolias are vulnerable to damp soil. Sweetbay (M. virginiana) is an oddball that can thrive in wet areas. It thrives in marshes and clay soils. Waxy white flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, and its brilliant green oval-shaped leaves feature silvery undersides.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked learning about the pink magnolia tree, then why not take a look at facts about trees or post oak tree facts.
Magnolia is a vast genus including over 210 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the Magnoliaceae family and is named after French scientist and botanist Pierre Magnol.
