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Photos of a magnolia tree and flowers show one of the first plants to bloom in spring. In nature, there are about 200 species of flowering trees, which in natural conditions grow in mountain forests and on the edges. Being a mesophytic plant, magnolia prefers a moderately humid and warm environment.
What does magnolia look like?
Magnolia can be an evergreen or deciduous tree, or a shrub. The bark of the branches is brown or gray. The height of the large plant reaches from 5 to 30 m and grows spreading. The leaves are elongated, glossy, dense, dark green.
According to the photo and description of the magnolia tree, its large flowers, depending on the type, can be:
- pearly white;
- creamy;
- soft pink;
- bright yellow;
- red;
- purple.
The shape of the petals can be wide or narrow, arranged in several rows of 6-12 pieces.
Where does magnolia grow?
Under natural conditions, the flowering tree grows in Japan, China, and North America. Most species prefer tropical and subtropical climates. In Europe, the flowering plant appeared only in the 18th century.
The beautiful flowering tree is grown as a park crop on the coasts of Sochi, Crimea, and the Caucasus.
With the development of selection and the emergence of cold-resistant varieties, magnolia began to grow in Russia, in regions with a colder climate. The exotic tree grows in the botanical gardens of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Seedlings for the central part of the country can be found on sale and planted in private gardens.
How fast does magnolia grow?
Magnolia is a long-lived flowering plant. Differs in slow growth. Annual growth can range from 5 to 20 cm. In one place, under favorable conditions, it can grow for 100 years or more.
How magnolia blooms
Many varieties of magnolia have the peculiarity of blooming even before the leaves bloom and pollinating insects fly out. Depending on the type and variety, the flowers reach from 8 to 25 cm in diameter. Large flowers look especially elegant on bare branches.
The intensity of the color depends on the air temperature: the higher it is, the brighter the color. In the evening the petals close, and the inner ones are very dense. Closed, elongated buds resemble unopened tulips. After flowering, fallen petals create a colorful carpet on the soil around the tree.
When and how magnolia blooms in Sochi
Blooming magnolias of various types can be observed in Sochi from the very early spring. Depending on weather conditions, the first flowers bloom in late February - early March. Later flowering continues until late summer.
Photos of how magnolia blooms in Sochi can be taken not only in many parks and alleys, but also in the botanical garden and arboretum.
When and how does magnolia bloom in Crimea
The climate on the southern coast of Crimea is well suited for delicate flowers. The charming flowering of deciduous and evergreen varieties of exotic plants continues throughout spring and summer, replacing each other. The first photo of a blooming magnolia can be taken as early as March.
One of the early flowering magnolias in Crimea is Sulanzha. Magnolias do not tolerate the proximity of other plants, so nothing distracts the eye from the exquisite and luxurious flowers on the coasts and in parks.
How long does magnolia bloom?
Depending on the growing region, magnolia begins to bloom from late February to early May. At the same time, there are many flowers on the tree in different stages of development, so magnolia blooms last from 20 days to several months.
What does magnolia smell like?
The aroma of flowers is intense, heady, vanilla-citrus. It is not recommended to pick branches with flowers and place them indoors. When inhaling a strong aroma for a long time, it causes discomfort, headaches and nausea. To improve your well-being, just remove the flowers and ventilate the room. Some varieties are odorless.
The sweet, thick, slightly tart aroma is used by perfumers to create premium perfumes.
What year does magnolia bloom after planting?
The time for magnolia to bloom depends on the method of propagation and origin.Species magnolias bloom in the 10-14th year; in some cases, the first flowering occurs only after 30 years of the tree’s existence. Hybrids bloom much earlier - 4-7 years after planting. Plants grown from seeds flower later than those grown from vegetative propagation.
Types and varieties of magnolia
The genus of flowering plants in the Magnoliaceae family was first named by the French botanist Charles Plumier in 1703, in honor of another French botanist, Pierre Magnol. Since then, about 240 plant species have become known, which are divided into evergreen and deciduous.
Large-flowered is one of the most popular evergreen varieties. Under natural conditions it reaches 30 m in height. The crown is shaped like a wide pyramid and has dense foliage. The leaves are thick, leathery, glossy, up to 25 cm long, up to 12 cm wide. From a distance, the plant may resemble an evergreen rhododendron.
Huge flowers of a milky white hue are cup-shaped. The species is distinguished by long flowering, which continues throughout the summer. The number of simultaneously blooming flowers on a tree is small. The flowers are very fragrant. It is one of the most ancient and hardy species among evergreens.
Sulanzha is one of the most common and most beautiful hybrids grown on the Black Sea coast of Russia. The deciduous shrub was developed in France in 1820 from the naked and lily-flowered varieties. In height, in the southern regions, it grows in the form of a small tree up to 12 m tall. The leaves are decorative, large, short-pointed, smooth above, slightly pubescent below.
In the photo and description of the magnolia shrub you can see that the flowers of the hybrid are large, reaching 25 cm in diameter in garden forms.The shape is goblet-shaped, the petals are massive, dense, the color of the outer part varies from soft pink to deep crimson, and the inside is white. Flowering begins simultaneously with the blossoming of leaves.
Frost-resistant varieties of magnolia
Frost-resistant varieties include only deciduous plant species. The peculiarity is that the plant acclimatizes gradually. With each year of cultivation in an unusual climate, frost-resistant varieties become more hardy. Work on the introduction and movement of exotic plants to the Northern regions began in the 70s of the last century.
Pointed - one of the most winter-hardy species, its homeland is North America, where it is also called the “cucumber tree” because of the shape of the fruit. The species became the progenitor of many varieties and hybrids. A large, deciduous tree, grows up to 30 m in height, the trunk thickness of an adult specimen reaches 1.2 m.
Photos and descriptions of the Magnolia Acute tree show small flowers that have a yellow-greenish color and may be invisible against the background of large foliage.
Kobus is a deciduous tree native to Japan. Hokkaido. Under natural conditions, it grows up to 25 m in height, in culture - no higher than 10 m. The crown is rounded, tent-shaped, decomposed, reaching 6 m in diameter. The leaves are large - up to 13 cm in length, pointed, intense green. In the photo of how the Kobus magnolia blooms, you can see milky white flowers, about 10 cm in diameter.
Flowering begins in mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. The most drought-resistant of other crops acclimatized to cold regions.
Siebold is a deciduous shrub or tree up to 8 m in height. The only species that grows in Northeast China.An adult plant can tolerate winter temperatures down to -39°C. The crown is flattened, growing to 7.5 m in diameter. The leaves are large, elliptical. The blooming flowers are saucer-shaped. The petals are white, the numerous stamens are red-crimson. The flower reaches 7-10 cm in diameter.
Flowering begins after the leaves bloom. Photos of magnolia in bloom can be taken in mid-May and until June. May rebloom in late summer.
Dwarf varieties of magnolia
Magnolia is usually a large plant, so trees that do not reach a height of 3 m are considered small. Given their slow growth, such trees reach their maximum height in 12-15 years, so they are well suited for small gardens.
Star-shaped – deciduous shrub or low tree up to 2.5 m in height with a spherical crown. The leaves are elongated, oval, up to 12 cm in length. It is distinguished by narrow, ribbon-shaped petals of snow-white color. The flower grows up to 10 cm in diameter.
It blooms long before the leaves appear at +15°C, much earlier than other species. It blooms for a long time and is inferior in frost resistance to the Kobus species.
Figo - an evergreen shrub with a spherical crown, height from 1.8 to 3 m. For its sweet aroma similar to banana, the shrub is often called banana. Young leaves are slightly pubescent, adult leaves are pubescent, glossy, dark green, from 4 to 10 cm in length. Thanks to the beautiful foliage, the shrub looks decorative even without flowers.
The yellowish-green flowers have 6-9 petals and bloom from April to June.
Lebner - a hybrid obtained from crossing the Star and Kobus species, has been growing only in cultivation since 1923. The shape of the crown can vary from a shrub type to a small tree.The leaves are large, elongated, oval in shape.
Flowers range from white to pink, with 9-12 petals. Blooms in 7-10 years. Flowering is very abundant, until the leaves bloom. Many flowers bloom on the branch at the same time.
The use of magnolia in folk medicine
Magnolia essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Unlike the aroma of a living bouquet of flowers, which causes dizziness and headaches, the oil has a calming effect when the dosage is observed.
Essential oil is obtained from leaves and flowers; its smell eliminates headaches, including migraines, and relieves general fatigue of the body. Improves emotional background, increases personal self-esteem.
Preparations with magnolia leaf extract lower blood pressure in hypertension and reduce pain in the heart area. Massage with magnolia oil has a relaxing effect on muscles and relieves joint pain.
Interesting facts about magnolia
The blossoming of magnolia in southern cities has become a real holiday. Not only local residents come to admire the ancient exotic flowers, but also guests from colder regions.
There are legends about magnolia and there are various facts, for example:
- about 40 plant species are listed in the Red Book as endangered;
- in the 50s of the last century, hybrids were bred and named after women;
- an exquisite plant bloomed on Earth even before bees appeared;
- magnolia is a poisonous plant;
- in the old days, the leaves of the plant were eaten only by the emperor of China as a delicacy;
- The flower, which appeared for the first time in Europe, amazed the public so much that all the ladies wanted to have it.A real flower fever began, gardeners stole flowers from each other and sold them for the price of a diamond jewelry;
- an elegant flower is given to a beloved with a promise of eternal love;
- a girl who sees a magnolia blossom can count on a quick marriage.
Magnolia flowers are not cut not only because of their intoxicating aroma, but also because of the belief that whoever cuts off the petals and branches will be punished in the form of misfortune. A flowering tree in the yard brings prosperity and wealth to the inhabitants of the house.
Conclusions
Photos of magnolia trees and flowers do not leave anyone indifferent. Residents of the northern regions want to have this southern tropical plant in their gardens. Gradually this becomes possible. Magnolia is revered as an exquisite, delicate, sophisticated plant that bloomed on the planet even before the advent of civilization.
