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Among the many ornamental trees and shrubs, Magnolia grandiflora, which adorned the globe back in the era of dinosaurs, stands out for its beauty of flowering. Today there are 240 species in the world. Most of them grow in the subtropical climate of the northern hemisphere.
Particularly popular among the many varieties is the American magnolia grandiflora, a photo of which is presented below. The plant has a simply huge size of fragrant, snow-white flowers. The plant is the official flower symbol of the American state of Mississippi.
Description of large-flowered magnolia
The botanical description says that magnolia grandiflora received its name thanks to the works of the French botanist Magnolou.In the wild, it is most often found in Asia and North America. There are more than 120 species in the world, of which up to 25 varieties tolerate frost well.
The height of the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora can reach 30 m. The wide crown is pyramidal or ovoid in shape. Large dark green foliage with lower edges.
The fragrant snow-white flowers of the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora are up to 30 cm in diameter. Each of them has 6-12 petals. Flowering lasts from late spring until August. After flowering, original cone-like fruits are formed. Fruiting is annual.
For cultivation in the central zone of the country, it is recommended to choose seedlings that have already acclimatized in Russia. Crops brought from European countries are much more thermophilic.
Large-flowered magnolia seedlings from Poland take root well. For example, this is the winter-hardy Alba variety. With a good layer of mulch, it can withstand frosts down to -20-23 0C. Victoria and Edith bogue can be included in this group. They have frost resistance up to – 25 0C.
How the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora blooms
Even in the Tertiary and Cretaceous periods, the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora delighted the eye with its gorgeous white flowers. Many species are pollinated only by small bugs, since by this period bees and other insects do not yet fly. Once the flower is fully in bloom, it loses its ability to pollinate.
The flowers of the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora are bisexual with a delicate aroma, located at the ends of the shoots. The color is not always white; there are varieties of cream, pinkish, and purple colors. 6-12 petals are attached to the perianth, which are located in 2-4 circles.
Reproduction methods
Before planting, you should determine what species grandiflora magnolia belongs to (the photos below will help you make your choice). Some varieties have poor seed germination.
Cuttings
It is advisable to plant hybrid species of large-flowered magnolia using cuttings or young layering. In early spring, cut cuttings to the desired length. This must be done before the flowers and foliage bloom. The shoots are cut only from young branches, since roots are poorly formed on older branches.
Layerings
This propagation method is only suitable for large-flowered magnolia shrubs. The lower layers located horizontally are sprinkled with earth. You can try to propagate mature trees using air layering. Root formation occurs within 1-2 years. After this period, the seedling can be transplanted to a permanent place.
Seeds
Interestingly, magnolia grandiflora has a fruit in the form of a cone, which consists of seed leaflets. The seeds have an oily structure, so they need to be stratified before planting. In autumn, the material is sown in open ground.
Growing large-flowered magnolia at home
Step-by-step instruction:
- Before planting, the seeds of the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora need to be prepared - remove the shoots and soak them in water for several days. Rub through a sieve.
- To remove oiliness from the seeds of the crop, they are washed in soapy water and under water. Dry well and mix with sand and put in a bag.
- Place on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for stratification for a month.This will improve germination rates.
- Large-flowered magnolia seeds are treated with a fungicidal agent and laid out in one row on a damp layer of moss.
- As soon as they hatch, you can sow them in a container to a depth of 1 cm.
Growing magnolia grandiflora in open ground
Magnolia Grandiflora has a very interesting description of the species. And the variety of large-flowered magnolia itself is suitable for cultivation only by those who have great patience and determination. Although there are many such lovers among domestic gardeners. As you know, large-flowered magnolias are heat-loving plants, but winter-hardy varieties can also be found among them.
Recommended planting dates
According to experienced plant growers, the most optimal time for planting large-flowered magnolia is autumn. During this period, the culture is at rest, so the stress will pass unnoticed. This increases the chances of survival. Although in spring you can also plant magnolia bushes. Young trees of large-flowered magnolia grandiflora should be protected from frost so that their root system of the crop is not damaged.
Selecting a location and preparing the soil for large-flowered magnolia
The first step is to choose a good planting site where Magnolia grandiflora will grow. The tree does not tolerate open areas very well where northerly winds predominate. The rhizome develops poorly in heavy clayey, saline soil or with the presence of lime. Does not tolerate sandy soil. The soil should be neutral or slightly acidic.
For planting crops, choose fertile, mulched soil. Drainage in the hole is required. Fine gravel and crushed stone will do.Magnolia readily responds to regular watering and the application of fertilizing liquids to the crop. Before planting, fertilize the soil in the hole with rotted compost or humus.
How to plant correctly
Young seedlings can be planted in late spring or early summer. By autumn they manage to grow a strong root system and take root. Thanks to the strengthened roots, magnolia grandiflora is actively developing. The frost resistance of the crop is generally good, so it can withstand the harsh snowy winters of the middle zone.
Young growth needs to be mulched for the winter. Make sure that the root collar of the plant protrudes no more than 3 cm above the ground surface.
When planting large-flowered magnolia, dig a hole measuring 60x60cm. For larger specimens of the culture, the pit will need to be tripled. Place a layer of drainage at the bottom of the hole. Add a fertile soil mixture on top, consisting of rotted compost, peat layer and coarse sand. After planting, water the seedling generously.
Growing rules
An adult bush of large-flowered magnolia grandiflora does not tolerate transplantation well. If there is an urgent need for culture in a new place, it is necessary to create favorable conditions using all useful recommendations.
Watering
Magnolia Grandiflora at home requires especially careful care until it is transplanted into open ground in the spring. After this, growing the crop is as usual as other trees. At first, the large-flowered magnolia seedling is watered regularly, but moderately, so that the soil does not dry out, otherwise it is detrimental to the plant. The soil under the crop is loosened so that a crust does not form.
In mid-summer, a rooted magnolia grandiflora seedling needs to be watered twice a week. In the sultry heat, the foliage is sprinkled. This preventive technique prevents spider mites from multiplying on the crop. To reduce evaporation, layers of straw, pine or sawdust should be placed near the tree trunk.
Top dressing
Fertilizing components for the crop begin to be applied in the 3rd year after planting. Until this moment, the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora feeds on the fertilizers that were originally placed in the planting hole. Mineral and organic compounds are used as fertilizers.
One of the types of fertilizers for large-flowered magnolias: rotted mullein - 1 kg, urea - 15 g, saltpeter crystals - 20 g, water - 10 l. Under each adult tree you need to pour 40 liters of this composition. The crop is fed 2-3 times during the entire growing season.
Trimming
The large-flowered magnolia grandiflora requires virtually no pruning. In this culture, nature itself usually has a natural crown formation. And, nevertheless, damaged and dried branches need to be removed.
In late autumn, when the evergreen large-flowered magnolia stops blooming and loses almost completely its foliage, pruning can be done. This should absolutely not be done in the spring, as there is an increased secretion of juice. The wounds of this crop constantly flow, which can lead to disease and death of the tree.
Preparing for winter
It is impossible to cover an adult tree for the winter, but it is quite possible to take care of the root system. Lightly loosen the soil around the tree trunk and sprinkle a layer of mulch on top.
Young seedlings of this crop can be completely covered with a special material - agrotechnical fiber. This will help protect them from the negative effects of winter frosts, piercing winds, icing, and heavy torrential spring/autumn rains.
Pests and diseases
The magnolia tree has good stress resistance and strong immunity, so this crop is rarely susceptible to disease. Although this does not eliminate the need to annually inspect foliage and buds for the presence of harmful insects and diseases. After all, they can easily move from other cultures.
Despite its strong immunity, large-flowered magnolia can be affected by verticillium. As this disease develops, the tree's foliage turns yellow. The spores infect the crop starting from the lower part of the crown. The wood begins to die, turning brown. Such a branch must be immediately removed and the cut should be lubricated with garden varnish.
The causative agent of the disease is the spore fungus Verticillum. This insidious disease can destroy an adult tree in just a week. If symptoms were noticed at the initial stage, then you can try to save the large-flowered magnolia. For example, spray with a strong insecticide. For 10 liters of water there is 10 g of any ampoule solution.
Conclusion
Magnolia grandiflora is beautiful during flowering, and not only during this period. After the flowers fade, the tree is decorated with decorative broad foliage. It’s not for nothing that plant growers call her the empress of landscape design. Caring for the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora is not very difficult, but then the tree will reward you with fragrant and charming flowers. There is hardly anyone indifferent to the beauty of this tropical exotic.
