Magnolia Trees

The magnolia tree is probably one of the most beautiful trees when it is in full bloom. And why would you not think that with its precious little flowers covering the entire tree, making it look like it comes straight out of heaven and planted on earth, and perhaps that is closer to the truth than one would believe when you hear about the age of this beauty.

Although it might look fragile, the magnolia tree has been around for millions and millions of years and even outdates the bees which are the usual mean for plants to pollinate each other.

The magnolia tree actually uses beetles for pollination and that has made the flowers extremely tough against insect-attacks, not to be eaten before the beetle has a chance to fulfill its pollination.

The flowers of the magnolia tree are pretty special from most other flower-bearing trees. Usually the front and back leaves of a flower, often referred to as petals and sepals, differs from each other both in shape, color and texture but the on the flowers of the magnolia tree there is not such a difference. These flower leaves are known as tepals and the name originated from just the magnolia tree.

With the magnolia tree found in the eastern parts of northern America, it is the state flower in both Mississippi and Louisiana and also the state tree in Mississippi. But this tree is actually more common over the world than that. Also found in Central and South America, in the West Indies and also in the eastern parts of Asia where it since long is believed to have health-giving abilities. This ancient tree seems to have a great future ahead of it.

When planting a magnolia tree be sure to have the right tools in handy, one should never be caught under equipped while tending to a garden. Ask at your local garden store what kinds of tools and fertilizer you might need. The magnolia tree is not the easiest of trees to plant because it will need a lot of space around it and both watering and fertilizing during its younger years. If you place the magnolia tree so it is just partly shaded, you can count on that those parts will not bear flowers and therefore render the whole tree imperfect.

Once you get the magnolia tree growing there is very little you have to do. Pruning is absolutely unnecessary and even recommended against. It is a tree with very low branches, almost like a huge shrub, so if you wanted a shadow tree you should have chosen a different kind of tree that doesn’t take offense of you cutting of its lower limbs. Just remove dead and injured parts of your magnolia tree and watch it grow tall, wide and strong. And never forget to enjoy its beauty.

Japanese Magnolias – magnificent trees for garden landscaping

These lovely spring-blooming trees are also called purple or saucer magnolias.

Magnolia Tree Care

Tip #1

Something that you should know before planting is how your soil and climate are. Different trees like different kinds of environments and will affect the length of your magnolia tree care.

Although most magnolia trees prefer well drained soils it is not sure that it is the best solution for you. Also, some magnolias are so called evergreen plants, with that meaning it won’t drop it leaves at any special season but continuously grow leaves all over the year. If those are appropriate to your needs or if you want your tree that changes over seasons is also something you should consider before you get to work. They all differ when it comes to magnolia tree care.

Tip #2

When planting be sure to keep its roots moist at all times before it gets into the ground. If the roots get too dry the whole tree can be ruined before you even get to planting it. That would just be proof of bad magnolia tree care. Plant the tree at the same depth as it was when you bought it and be gentle while filling the hole, remember that most magnolias prefer well-drained soils. If you plant it from seeds, just follow the instructions, they are there to help and guide you through the process, if you still feel uncertain, ask at your local garden store. They will most probably have some good tips.

Tip #3

While growing your young magnolia, care for its need and give it water and fertilizer once and awhile. This is especially important during the growth season when they try to pull as much energy as it can from the ground. Try not to use any pesticide if not called for, it is better for the tree and its surroundings to be spared unnecessary spraying. Also, do not prune the young plant. This is no oak or other shade tree but more of an enormous and beautiful bush, it is supposed to have low-growing branches.

Magnolia tree care tip #4

Once fully grown you can put your skill of magnolia tree care to the side, the tree now cares for itself. Never prune if not called for and water it only in case of a very dry season. Remove dead pieces from it and try to let it get as much sun as possible. If in the shade of another plant, the only care is to cut the other plant or relocate it. They need their space and can not be allowed to stand in the shade. It will hold back its growth and even inhibit the tree from flowering. No one would want that.

Types of Magnolia Tree

There are a lot of different types and it would be a tremendous amount of work to list every single one. So in this article only some examples will be mentioned and described. This should not be mistaken for a complete list.

Southern Magnolia – Magnolia grandiflora

This is one of the types also known as Bull Bay. It is an evergreen tree, means that the tree won’t drop its leaves because of season, and is found in the south-eastern parts of the United States. The leaves are dark green and bears white flowers that smell incredible of lemon. Although nothing else than an ornamental, it is extremely sturdy against the winter cold. Even with the ground freezing, the winter sun is more harmful to it than the cold itself.

Anise Magnolia – Magnolia salicifolia

Also known as Willow-leafed magnolia, this tree has foliage much denser than of ordinary magnolia trees, although not as thick as a proper Willow. The leaves as also thinner than most other types and these two things combined give it a nice texture. Only found in Japan, this magnolia tree type grows at first in a characteristic pyramid shape but becomes more irregular over time. The lemon scented flowers bloom before the leaves come in the early spring and can be totally destroyed by returning frost.

Sargent’s Magnolia – Magnolia sargentiana

Although this type can be found in Central Park in New York, it actually only grows wild in a very small area in a province of China. This very large tree has dark green, almost leathery, foliage and large pale purple-reddish flowers. Due to development in China the small area has been fragmented into even smaller areas. It is not known if it will survive this kind of stress and is therefore in the IUCN Red List.

Sweetbay Magnolia – Magnolia virginiana

Commonly known as only the Sweetbay, is the first magnolia tree type ever to be described scientifically. Although also originated in the south-eastern of USA, it can either be evergreen as the Bull Bay or shed its leaves from season to season. The difference is caused by variations of climate and temperatures. The flowers of this tree are rather medium-sized and have a white creamy tone to them. The fast growth and flowers makes this a hit in various parks and gardens.

There are many other types but these are the ones that I find the most attractive. If you didn’t find the magnolia tree type that you were interested in, keep on browsing the web. I am sure you can find more tree-friends such as me.

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