The magnolia tree is an ancient tree with many different species. It has a very large presence in Southeast Asia and is abundantly found in eastern North America, in Central America and the West Indies. Many magnolia trees produce bright, colorful, and fragrant flowers.
Significance
Magnolia trees are mainly grown for the beautiful flowers. Magnolia trees most often grown in the United States are native magnolias and Asian magnolias. Native magnolia are evergreens and their leaves shed as do Asian magnolias. They are easy to grow.
Native Southern Magnolia
The Southern magnolia, the most popular of all American varieties, is an evergreen tree. It will grow up to 50 feet tall. It grows best in the warmer states. It will produce white flowers that measure six to 10 inches in width. They have a pleasant aroma. The leaves are green, shiny and small.
The Cucumber Magnolia Tree
The cucumber magnolia tree grows quickly and makes a wonderful shade tree. It is found from New York to Georgia. It will tolerate cooler zones and likes sun. Its flowers are beautiful yellow blooms and in June it will produce red/pinkish fruit that resembles a cucumber. Early settlers in the United Sates would mix the seeds from the fruits with whiskey for medicinal purposes.
Asian
The lily magnolia has beautiful red/purple blooms and grows up to 12 feet tall. The purple lily magnolia is another Asian variety. The Yulan magnolia is unique in that its white flowers bloom before its leaves appear. Other Asian magnolias include the star magnolia and its pink sister the rosea.
Temperature Concerns and Planting
Magnolias do not tolerate cold temperatures.The best time to plant is early spring. Place mulch around the base. They require only an inch of water every 14 days. Fertilizers are not usually necessary.
Concerns
Magnolias are fairly hardy and most often do not suffer much damage from insects or disease. Frequent inspection of the tree trunk, leaves and blooms will alert an owner to any problems.
Fact
The magnolia is the official state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana. Mississippi's nickname is the Magnolia State. Houston is often called The Magnolia City due to the numerous magnolias that grow along Buffalo Bayou.
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