Magnolia is gorgeous evergreen shrub, which grows in the Crimea and the Caucasus. It blooms with beautiful white flowers and has an unforgettable aroma. Magnolia is the oldest plant that lived on earth approximately 140 million years ago. The first trees found the era of dinosaurs on Earth. But now it is considered exotic, since magnolia has a beautiful crown and spectacular fragrant flowers.
Magnolia - description and types
Although magnolia is considered a shrub, in the wild it reaches a tree up to 30 m high. The leaves of the bush are dark green in color and have an elliptical shape. The flowers are often white when opened and reach a diameter of 15 cm and have a fragrant aroma.
Magnolia blooms on the sea coast throughout the warm season. After flowering, a fruit with large seeds is formed, appearance resembling a pine cone. The bark of the tree is gray in color, smooth and sometimes scaly to the touch.
There are species that live a little further north than is commonly believed. Therefore, garden centers began selling this plant. Unfortunately, it does not take root well in middle lane Russia, since the climatic conditions of this region are not at all suitable for it.
Those gardeners who take the risk of planting star magnolia or lily-flowered magnolia insulate it for the winter. Since frosts can damage the delicate buds of this southern plant.
Magnolia in the city There are universally popular plant introduction centers with many different varieties:
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (England) - has 40 species.
- Arnold Arboretum (USA) - has 46 species.
- The Kiev Botanical Garden has 15 species, 4 hybrids and 22 plant forms.
- in St. Petersburg in open ground Magnolia Siebold grows and bears fruit.
- magnolia Kobus has taken root in Moscow and Smolensk.
- Kobum and Sulanzha magnolias grow in Vladivostok.
Here are the individual types of magnolias:
Magnolia pointed
A large tree with pointed leaves 20 cm long. The flowers are yellow-green in color and bloom when the tree already has foliage. It has a pyramidal crown shape, which gradually develops into a spherical shape. Loves moisture and grows in nature up to 24 m in height.
Star-shaped
It is either a shrub or a tree with a dense spherical crown. It grows no more than 6 m tall, with a bush diameter of about 3.5 m. The dark green foliage turns yellow in October. Very fragrant flowers with a diameter of 10 cm begin to bloom in April, but since this bloom is not friendly, the flowering stretches for almost a month.
Magnolia Siebold
This is very beautiful bush 4 m tall, with long leaves and white fragrant flowers located on a drooping peduncle. It begins to bloom after the foliage emerges.
Willow
This species rarely appears on sale. The tree grows up to 10 m tall with a pyramidal crown shape. The tree has smooth silvery bark. Flowers with a diameter of 8 cm have a wonderful aroma. This plant is easily grown from seeds and blooms within the 5th year.
Types of magnolia video
Planting and caring for magnolia
When planting a plant, you need to choose the right place. The microclimate of a place, even in one garden, will greatly decide. Magnolia should be planted on the south side, protected from cold winds. There is no need to plant this tree in the shade, since in central Russia there will not be enough sun for it anyway.
The plant needs abundant watering throughout its growth period. warm period of the year. The tree does not need special pruning; only branches that have dried out are cut down. It is advisable to cover the plant until it is 3-4 years old, but later this will no longer be necessary due to the enormous growth of the tree. And he’s not in danger of freezing at this age.
Necessary conditions for successfully growing magnolias in the middle zone:
- If the plant is planted correctly, it will grow actively and bloom profusely all summer. If there is little rain in the summer, then you will need to take care of watering the plant, since it does not tolerate drought;
- In a radius of up to one meter around the tree, the soil is mulched to reduce the loss of moisture from the soil. It is not recommended to dig the ground around magnolia, as it has shallow roots.
- During crown growth and flowering, it is necessary to fertilize the plant completely. mineral fertilizer so that she has enough strength to create a chic crown;
- After the leaves have completely fallen in November, the soil around the tree is insulated with a layer of about 30 cm of fallen leaves. This leaf cushion will serve as insulation for the roots.
- Since there is no need to form a crown, only drying or frostbitten branches need to be trimmed. The sections are treated with garden varnish.
- If the leaves turn yellow from chlorosis, then the ground around the plant is watered with an iron chelate solution.
In reality, many magnolias begin to bloom only after 8-10 years. And this is under favorable conditions. The colors of their fragrant flowers are very diverse. There are magnolias that first produce flowers and then leaves, and there are also vice versa, which bloom when the foliage has grown. Both options look amazing.
Unfortunately, everything ends, and when the flowering comes to an end, the magnolia petals slowly fall to the ground. Gardeners who have seen this phenomenon call it “magnolia rain.”
Magnolia can be propagated in various ways:
- cuttings;
- seed propagation;
- through vaccination.
Seed propagation
Magnolia seeds are formed after flowering and are enclosed in a red seed capsule, which protects the seeds from unfavorable conditions environment. The best germination is achieved by fresh seeds planted in the fall. Plant the seeds in boxes with loose nutritious soil. After sowing, the boxes are transferred to the basement with a temperature of about +5 degrees for the whole winter.
We can also say that seeds collected from magnolias growing in Ukraine or Vladivostok acclimatize better in central Russia and subsequently winter better. Seeds collected from southern beauties grown in the Caucasus adapt very poorly to the northern regions.
The first year for sprouted magnolia seeds is very difficult; only in June do the first true leaves grow and continue to grow actively in September. Since seedlings have a prolonged growth cycle, they are transferred to winter Garden or lowered into a frost-free basement. In the second year of their life, seedlings that have grown to 25 cm are picked.
They are planted either directly in the field, planted in rows so that in case of cold weather they can be covered with lutrasil. Or dive into containers for better care for plants. The soil for seedlings must be breathable and nutritious.
Seedlings planted in pots are heavily watered all summer, protecting them from cold winds. Seedlings need to be fed twice a month with full mineral fertilizer. In the second year of their life, seedlings grow very intensively and from a small seedling 15 cm tall, seedlings grow about half a meter. But such trees still do not overwinter in open ground; the tubs are brought into greenhouses and there they continue to grow foliage until January.
In spring, three-year-old seedlings are ready for planting permanent place, but in their first winter they still require shelter so as not to frostbite the growth buds at the ends of the young branches.
Plants planted for cultivation in ridges of the main soil are well insulated winter period using a greenhouse built around a row of young magnolias.
This painstaking method solves two problems. The plant grows excellent leaf mass in one season and is able to withstand the unfavorable conditions of the central regions in the third year. And then if the ends of the branches freeze, the tree loses its beautiful shape and then becomes a bush.
Cuttings and grafting
These methods are almost never used, since this requires having a queen cell on hand, and this is not always possible.
Magnolias practically do not get sick, but sometimes gardeners make mistakes when growing this plant.
- With an overdose of fertilizer, magnolia growth stops and the salinity of the soil around the plant increases. The leaves begin to dry out in the summer. All this can be corrected by watering the tree very generously. warm water every seven days.
- In hot weather, the tree may be attacked by spider mites. You need to fight it with actellik, spilling it on the ground and spraying the tree. If you do not treat it, the tree will dry out.
- If there is a lot of lime in the soil, the magnolia roots begin to ache and a disease called chlorosis appears on the leaves. In such soil, magnolia can live no more than one year. Therefore, if the site has calcareous soil, then the only way out is to dig a hole for planting and replace the unnecessary soil with fertile one.
- Insufficient watering leads to the death of the plant, so additional watering is required during the heat of summer.
First of all, you need to know that magnolia, like, poisonous plant. But it also contains many useful substances:
- essential oils;
- routine;
- flavone glycosides;
- rich in alkaloids.
Magnolia extract is used to make a tincture that helps with high blood pressure; bronchial asthma is also treated with tincture. Magnolia is used as an antiseptic and, with its assistance, destroys bacteria that cause caries.
Seed pods are rich in fatty oils containing unsaturated acids:
- oleic;
- peanut;
- myristic;
- stearic
This tree is famous not only for its beauty. There are many traditional medicine recipes to help with various diseases. After all, all parts of the plant are suitable for treating humans. An extract is prepared from the plant, which is used for various human diseases.
For hypertension
For this disease, an alcohol extract from this plant is used. To prepare the extract, you need to grind magnolia seeds and add 200 grams to the resulting 2 teaspoons. 70% alcohol. This remedy is infused for 14 days, and then a course of treatment is carried out. The tincture is taken three times a day after meals, 25 drops.
To strengthen hair
A decoction for strengthening hair is made from the leaves. It is prepared from 3 tablespoons of crushed plant leaves, steamed with a liter of boiling water. Leave for a day and use when rinsing hair after washing with regular shampoo.
The plant was brought to Europe from China. And according to an old Chinese legend, beautiful young girls from a destroyed village turned into magnolia flowers. The surviving girl asked her native land for her dead friends to live forever.
The next morning, the invaders saw a tree that was hung with beautiful flowers. And in their anger, they chopped the tree into small pieces and scattered it as far as possible from this place. But wherever a piece of this tree fell to the ground, a sprout of a new tree called magnolia sprouted.
Read about flowers here.
In many regions, magnolia does not grow because it loves tropical climates. There are no prohibitions for flower growers - they can always be grown at home by creating favorable conditions.
Description and features of magnolia
Natural specimens of magnolias fascinate with their beauty and impressive crown. Height magnolia tree can reach up to 15 meters under favorable conditions.
Large pink and white buds, in the form of cups, like floating “water lilies”, are located at the tips of the branches. The delicate vanilla-lemon aroma of the tree can be felt from afar.
The oldest genus of magnolias, which includes magnolias, includes 240 species. The bark of a tree or shrub is brown or ashen in color. At home, the plant is grown as a bansai.
On photo of magnolia flowers compact variety Bracken's Brown Beauty stand out with special tenderness against the background of large leaves dark green. The shape of the leaves is oval with a sharp end, the surface is leathery and smooth. From below they are covered with rusty fluff. Life path they are short-lived. From time to time they are replaced by young leaves.
The fruit looks like a pine cone. The seeds are covered with a red, fleshy skin. Among indoor crops, the most popular varieties can be distinguished: Litle Grem, Magnolla Figo, Hasse, Magnollf coco.
Pictured is a magnolia fruit
Planting and propagating magnolia
Magnolia flower light-loving plant, in the room you need to choose the sunniest place for it, for example, the south or west side of the room. The plant propagates by vegetative and seed methods.
Cuttings :
Horizontal layering :
Seeds :
Magnolia care at home
Buy a magnolia flower You can go to a flower shop, Botanical Garden, or order through the online store. Wherein magnolia price varies from 1500 rubles.
Many gardeners prefer not to spend money, but to grow them from seeds, which cost 250 rubles. Before growing these flowers in your home, you should consider whether any family members are allergic to flowers. They have a surprisingly strong aroma.
Magnolia can be evergreen or deciduous. The first type is for southern regions with a mild, warm climate. Deciduous trees are suitable for growing in the middle zone. Many hybrid varieties have been developed that are resistant to such conditions. Based on the descriptions and the flowering pattern in the photo, it’s easy to choose one for your garden. Caring for such exotic plants is necessary, but all the activities are no more difficult than caring for familiar fruit and berry crops.
Winter-hardy magnolia species
Deciduous trees and shrubs that do not need shelter for the winter.
- Kobus. Resistant to winter frosts (down to -28 C°). As the tree grows, it changes the shape of its crown. In young plants it is pyramidal, in adults it is spherical. Flowering occurs in April and early May. Large white flowers are fragrant with a delicate lemon aroma with notes of vanilla. Kobus grows up to 12 m. The first flowering occurs at 10-15 years of age.
- Magnolia denudate. Sufficiently frost-resistant (-25...-28 C°). Flowering begins before the foliage emerges. Lily-shaped inflorescences are 15 cm long. The color of the petals is mainly milky, but derived hybrids differ in color, shape and flowering time. Magnolia Naked is the progenitor of many new varieties. Grown from seeds, it blooms already in the 4th year. Magnolia can be shrubby or tree-like. Height is about 10 m.
- . Able to withstand temperatures down to – 30 C°. Easily recognizable by its long petals, reminiscent of diverging rays. Blooms early, at the end of March. The flowers are snow-white with a slight pink or cream. It has a compact crown and does not grow higher than 3.5 m.
- Magnolia Loebner (hybrid of Kobus and Stellata). Resistant to frost down to -28 C°. Decorative species with a height of only 4-6 m. Shrub or tree. The flowers, depending on the variety, are pale pink, pure white or cream. Easily tolerates crown formation and pruning.
- Magnolia Siebold. Tolerates temporary frosts down to -36 C°. Most often, it is a shrub with wide leaves and white flowers. Flowering begins in June and is accompanied by a pleasant aroma. The growth of the species is slow, the plant can be shaped and cut.
Conditionally winter-hardy species
They prefer a milder climate without snowy and frosty winters. Need good shelter in the autumn-winter period.
Individual parts of plants, buds and young shoots may freeze.
- Magnolia Liliaceae. At temperatures below -23 C° it dies. A spectacular ornamental plant with soft crimson flowers. Flowers resembling lilies bloom in March and April. Widely distributed in Crimea on the Black Sea coast. Magnolia is very compact: height up to 5 m, crown width 3-5 m.
- Magnolia Soulagenja ( hybrid species). Resistant to temperatures down to -23 C°. The species is derived from Naked and Lily-flowered magnolias. The color of the petals is two-tone. The cup-shaped inflorescences have a scent reminiscent of Magnolia Nude. Flowering begins on branches not yet covered with leaves. The first flowering can be seen already in the 7th year of life. A large number of Sulange varieties have been bred. The most famous: Alexandrina, Lenne, Nemetsa, Red, Rustica Rubra, Alba Superba, Lilliputian.
Advice! Decorative varieties Sulanja is grown in large flowerpots and containers.
- Magnolia Ash. Frost resistance down to -25 C°. Quite a rare species. Huge white flowers (20-30 cm in diameter) and large bluish leaves give a unique decorative effect. The crown is formed symmetrical and round. Flowering occurs at the end of May, the aroma is reminiscent of lemon with a jasmine flavor. Spring frosts can cause the buds to freeze. Grown from seeds, it blooms for the first time in the 7th year of life.
Southern magnolias
- Magnolia Grandiflora. Tolerates temporary drops to -13…-15 C°. An evergreen species up to 30 m high. In nature, it is found in the southeastern states of the USA. The flowers are large, snow-white (diameter up to 25 cm). Flowering begins in May and continues until autumn. A slow growing species, it is resistant to pests and diseases. The main decorative forms of Magnolia Grandiflora are: narrow-leaved; lanceolate; Praverti; Exonian; Gallisonian; famous; early.
- Magnolia Figo (banana bush). Evergreen form of the plant. Figo's homeland is China. The fast-growing species is used as a hedge. Flowers with a pleasant aroma, from white to purple shades.
- Magnolia evergreen "Gallisoninsis grandiflora" (Grandiflora variety). The crown is conically widened, branching begins from the ground itself. By pruning you can achieve complete impermeability of the foliage. Fragrant flowering begins in June and continues throughout the summer. The color of the petals is white. The first flowering occurs at 9-10 years of age.
- "Gallisoninsis Nana." Dwarf evergreen species. Suitable for breeding in room conditions. The flowers are white, similar to Grandiflora Gallinsonins. Slow growing species. By the age of 20 it grows up to 3 m.
- Grandiflora 'Goliath'. The flowers are white. The foliage is wavy and pale green. A variety for small gardens and greenhouses.
Magnolia in the garden
Magnolia can be grown in any conditions. Thanks to hybrids and various forms, it is easy to choose for any garden suitable variety. Magnolia will decorate not only your garden plot, but also your balcony or loggia. Every year magnolia blooms more and more abundantly.
Attention! Pruning magnolia stimulates the appearance of a mass of young shoots.
It is very difficult to cover a fully grown plant for the winter. Therefore, it is better to give preference to winter-hardy varieties. In addition to the above, the Medicinal and Umbrella magnolias can tolerate frosts down to -30 C°. Flowering of some hybrid varieties occurs alternately, not en masse, and continues until autumn. This is also a kind of protection against spring frosts.
Magnolia grown from seeds may not inherit the characteristics of the “mother” plant. Since it is impossible to control pollination, the result is very often a hybrid. Breeders take advantage of this feature and breed interesting varieties. For example, there are magnolias with yellow flowers - the foreign variety “Sun Spire”. Its narrow crown is completely unusual for magnolias. This mini-variety is suitable for middle latitudes, as it is quite winter-hardy.
Types of magnolia: video
“Magnolia” and “Moscow region” are still concepts that are poorly combined with each other. Still, for most gardeners, magnolia is a heat-loving exotic, evoking associations with seaside resorts, with the “land of magnolias,” where, like Ilf and Petrov, everyone wears white pants. The authors of the article, on whose plot near Moscow, in open ground, grow 33 different magnolias (18 species and 15 hybrids, varieties and varieties), based on their experience, the experience of their like-minded collectors and on the basis of observations of magnolias growing in Moscow arboretums and botanical gardens, share their thoughts on the possibility of growing these plants in the Moscow region. It should be noted that the authors do not claim to have the ultimate truth, but express only their opinions based on their personal experience. Why are magnolias interesting? Can they grow in our northern regions? How do they feel with us? What types and varieties of magnolias are suitable for our gardens? What are the growing conditions? Let's try to figure out these questions. It seems to me that there are few people who are completely indifferent to magnolias. You can love them or not, but it’s impossible to pass by and not notice them. Not to mention their high decorative value, which hardly anyone will dispute, and their exotic, “otherworldly” appearance, they are also interesting because magnolias are one of the most ancient families of flowering plants on Earth. And although their antiquity, as a rule, is exaggerated (there are families even more ancient), nevertheless, undoubted magnolias existed back in the Cretaceous period; they are witnesses of unimaginably ancient times, the times of dinosaurs, flying and swimming monstrous reptiles. Magnolias once lived in our latitudes, before the onset of the Ice Age. Moreover, they were represented here by species very close to modern ones living today. Work on the systematic introduction of magnolias to the north, into the moderately cold climate zone, began here quite recently - in the 70s of the twentieth century. One of the pioneers in this matter was T.P. Korshuk, who founded the magnolia garden in Kyiv in 1976. This garden still exists today, and it was the seeds of trees from Kyiv that became the basis for the advancement of magnolia culture further to the north and east. Today, magnolias grow in many botanical gardens in Russia, and not only in Sochi, but also in Primorye, Kaliningrad, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk... It is impossible not to note the contribution to the popularization of magnolias as ornamental plants for gardens and private hobbyists. For example, in the Voronezh garden of the great plant enthusiast and collector A. A. Milyaev, more than 60 species, hybrids and varieties of magnolias were collected.
Frost-resistant magnolia species
Botanists have described more than 230 species of magnolia. Unfortunately for us, most of them are evergreens, the cultivation of which in open ground conditions in our climate is, to put it mildly, problematic, if not impossible. Magnolia grandiflora ( Magnolia grandiflora), so common in our Black Sea resorts. But among magnolias there are also deciduous trees and shrubs that grow naturally in North America and East Asia. Which of them are quite promising for us? Let's start with the "Americans": Magnolia pointed (Magnolia acuminata) or, as it is called in its homeland because of the shape of the fruit, a cucumber tree. Without a doubt, this magnolia is the most winter-hardy of its genus. Trees several decades old grow well, bloom and bear fruit every year in Moscow and St. Petersburg. This is a large, powerful tree with large (up to 0.3 m long), exotic looking leaves.
Its fruits are also very decorative - green “cucumbers” that turn red as they ripen. Unfortunately, the flowers of this magnolia, due to their greenish color, are lost against the background of the foliage, and an inattentive observer may simply not notice the flowering of magnolia acuminate. Due to its frost resistance, this species has become the basis for a huge number of varieties and hybrids bred in the USA. The flowers of these cultivated forms have a variety of colors - from opal greenish-blue to red. Unfortunately, in our area these varieties very rare and, as a result, have not yet been tested enough. But some of them are still very encouraging and demonstrate winter hardiness that significantly exceeds the winter hardiness of species traditionally considered the most promising for our region.
One of our varietal magnolias. The variety was obtained using winter-hardy pointed m.
Umbrella tree (Magnolia tripetala) – one of the most exotic and unusual. Its leaves in the Moscow region reach a length of 0.7 m! The crown is also very remarkable. Because of its shape, Americans nicknamed this magnolia the “umbrella tree.”
The diameter of its cream flowers is up to 30 centimeters.
Unfortunately, its flowers are believed to have unpleasant smell. This is why three-petalled magnolia is not favored in its homeland and in Europe. But smell is subjective. Some “can’t get enough of” bird cherry or phlox, while for others the smell of the flowers of these plants evokes very unpleasant analogies. We have heard different opinions: some believe that magnolia tripetal smells of “sour bananas,” while for others it is “the spicy smell of the tropics.” For us, the smell of its flowers is practically indistinguishable from the smell of a blooming hawthorn. The smell is unpleasant, but quite tolerable. There is no doubt that this type of magnolia is of interest to us due to its high frost resistance and very rapid growth. Annual growth in the Moscow region reaches 0.8 m; while in relatively mild winters(for example, winter 2011/12) shoots exposed to all the winds do not suffer from frost at all. Even the apical buds are not damaged. The first year seedlings overwinter in the beds under the snow with virtually no losses. There are a number more in North America interesting species magnolias, which might be worth testing in our conditions. But, unfortunately, we have no information about their cultivation in the Moscow region. Another center of distribution of natural magnolia species is Eastern Asia, so let’s move to China and Japan: Japanese magnolia kobus (Magnolia kobus) is a tree with dense branches almost from the ground, and, apparently for this reason, is often (and incorrectly) called a bush. The specific epithet comes from the Japanese word “kobushi”, which designates not only this type of magnolia, but also some others. Magnolia kobus flowers are small (for magnolias, of course), about 10 cm in diameter, white. Traditionally considered one of the most frost-resistant species of the genus. Often used as a rootstock for grafting varietal magnolias. Magnolia kobus is quite stable here. This is confirmed by the fact that in Moscow there are 20-30 year old copies. They bloom, bear fruit, and produce beautiful, viable seeds. One of the forms of this magnolia is northern ( Magnolia kobus var. borealis) - a tall single-trunk tree with sparsely spaced side branches and is also quite stable in the Moscow region.
Magnolia stellata blooming
It blooms like magnolia kobus, in early spring, before the leaves unfurl. This magnolia can probably be recommended for Moscow and the Moscow region, but with big reservations. It suffers from frost quite often and does not grow quickly. Although there are numerous examples of quite successful cultivation of it in our country.
Another Japanese look: magnolia loosestrife (Magnolia salicifolia). This slender, rather tall (up to 10 m tall) tree is quite winter-hardy in Moscow. Its strongly elongated, glossy leaves smell very strongly of anise when rubbed.
Magnolia loosestrife flower
Finding this magnolia on sale is very difficult. It practically does not take cuttings, and seed propagation is limited by the problem of obtaining genetically pure magnolia loosestrife seeds. Let's say, according to the employees of the mentioned Kyiv magnolia garden, only 2-3% of the seeds collected from this tree give a “pure” appearance. The rest are hybrids with kobus and star magnolias and, in turn, with their hybrids. Therefore, almost all willow seedlings that can be found on sale are obtained by grafting. Magnolia Siebold (Magnolia sieboldii) originally from China.
A small (in Moscow - up to 3 m) spreading tree with flowers very characteristic of the genus. It blooms in summer and flowering lasts for almost a month. On one plant you can simultaneously see both unopened buds, and fruit set. In Moscow it regularly blooms, bears fruit abundantly, and produces viable seeds.
A very beautiful tree, but the winter hardiness of specific specimens can vary greatly. Seedlings grown in open ground are quite winter-hardy in the Moscow region. Here, perhaps, are all the types of magnolias that today can be recommended for a garden near Moscow. Some of their hybrids (Lebner magnolias, Kyuss magnolias) are also quite winter-hardy. None of the named species and hybrids require shelter for the winter; they all reproduce well by seeds and even their first-year seedlings can overwinter quite safely in the garden, in the open air.
Agricultural technology
The opinion that growing magnolias in our country is associated with incredible difficulties and troubles is completely unfair. As strange as it may sound, magnolias are very unpretentious. They tolerate transplantation well at any age and tolerate almost complete shading (although, in this case, they grow much slower). They only react poorly to alkaline soils and lack of moisture. In general, magnolias are big drinkers. Gray forest loam near Moscow is perfect for most species and varieties. What else? Well, of course, it is not advisable to allow overgrowth trunk circle aggressive weeds (grass, grasses, impatiens...) and if you want your magnolias to grow quickly, choose a sunny place for them.
Reproduction
The main method of propagating magnolias is by sowing seeds. Vegetative propagation of these plants for the ordinary gardener, at personal plot- an almost impossible task. There are some exceptions here, but they apply varietal plants. For example, magnolia "Susan" is relatively easy to take cuttings. But, nevertheless, in the vast majority of magnolias, cuttings take root very poorly; there is not enough time for rooting of air layerings; our growing season is short. Graft? But for this you need a rootstock, and where can you get it? Moreover, grafted trees are far from perfect option for the Moscow region. The grafting site is very vulnerable to both infections and frost damage. How durable the grafted magnolia specimens are in our area is a big question. In our country, seed propagation of magnolias is also associated with difficulties, but of a different kind. The main problem is to get it for autumn sowing fresh, current year's harvest, seeds. Old seeds can only be used if they have been stored correctly - in a moist substrate, at a low positive temperature. From time to time, the seeds need to be checked to see if they are moldy, treated with fungicides... Seed sellers usually do not go to such troubles. The result is a lack of seedlings and the general opinion that “magnolias don’t grow here.” If you are lucky and you get fresh seeds (for example, you collected them yourself in a botanical garden), then safely sow them in late autumn directly into the garden bed, in open ground. You can, “to clear your conscience,” cover the bed with mulch. But, believe me, you don’t have to do this. Next summer, at the beginning of June, you will rejoice at the friendly shoots!
Other promising species
In the literature you can find mention of five more species of relatively winter-hardy magnolias: large-leaved magnolia ( Magnolia macrophylla) and its varieties - Ash magnolia, cylindrical magnolia ( M. cylindrica), evergreen(!) Virginia magnolia ( M. virginiana), magnolia obovate ( M. obovata) and about Magnolia officinalis ( M. officinalis). The last two species are quite close to each other and some botanists consider them only geographical subspecies - island (Japan) and continental (China). Japanese magnolia obovate is the northernmost magnolia in the world. It grows even in our country, in the Kuril Islands. These trees are very beautiful: large, up to 60 centimeters, leaves, huge cream flowers with an exquisite aroma...
Magnolia officinalis, bilobed form. Top of a young tree
In addition to these species, based on our small experience, Sprenger, Jian and Fraser magnolias are still doing well in our area ( M. sprengeri, M. zenii And M. frazeri). Unfortunately, it is too early to draw conclusions about their winter hardiness in the Moscow region. There are still very few specimens of these species in our area. Few, but they exist. Moreover, the authors were lucky enough to see the flowering and fruiting of relatively mature Ash, cylindrical and medicinal magnolias in open ground in Moscow. When copying article materials, please provide a link to www.site
Exotic magnolia tree, a flower of unforgettable beauty. Between the simple leaves, large white, cream, yellow, pink, violet or purple flowers are visible, from which a pleasant light aroma emanates. From the last days of summer to the beginning of winter, it is decorated with decorative fruits. If you ever see Blooming tree, then you will never be able to forget this phenomenon.
Having planted a magnolia next to coniferous plants, you can create a beautiful composition. When planted alone, it will also serve as a decoration for your garden. Before you start planting, be sure to choose the most suitable area, which should be protected from drafts and cold winds. If you decide to give preference to the south side, then stay in a slightly shaded area.
All about magnolias
Beauty (lat. Magnolia) has a reputation for being the most famous tree on the planet since ancient times, because its development dates back to the era of dinosaurs.
Archaeologists managed to find a fossilized flower that is at least 95 million years old.
At a time when bees had not yet appeared, pollination was carried out by beetles, which to this day do a good job of this task.
The emergence of a legend
Magnolia is a tree about which beautiful myths and fairy tales are written. For example: a beautiful and sad Japanese legend.
flower appearance
Once upon a time, there lived in Japan a young girl, Keiko, who made money by creating beautiful paper flowers for sale. But, unfortunately, they cost mere pennies and she could barely make ends meet. And so it went on for a long time. But…
For a long time she fed the old parrot, who told the girl a secret. The fact is that paper masterpieces can become alive if only you sprinkle them with a drop of your blood. But the last drop of blood cannot be used for this matter. Thanks to this magic, Keiko became immensely rich, but trouble soon came. The young man she fell in love with was too greedy and forced the girl to work very hard.
Soon she had to give the last drop of blood. Of course, she died, well, and the last flower that came to life was called magnolia.
Description and origin
Magnolia is considered to be a shrub, but its height reaches about 30 meters. It grows on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula and the Caucasus. As soon as the summer days arrive, its flowering begins, which you can enjoy on the seashore. As soon as the last petals fall from the tree, cone-shaped fruits appear on it, decorating it until the onset of cold weather. The tree is completely covered with gray smooth scaly bark.
Decorative magnolia looks unforgettable in the spring, because it is from this moment that its flowering begins, which will be remembered by others for many years. It is valued both for its beauty and for the essential oils contained in its fruits, flowers and foliage. They are used as an antiseptic for hypertension, rheumatism and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- You can see flowers in the gardens of the USA and England, where more than 40 varieties are found. In addition, magnolia is found in Belarus, where a botanical garden was recently created that includes this shrub.
- On the territory of Ukraine, you can also enjoy flowering by visiting the Kiev Botanical Garden, where 15 varieties, 4 hybrids and 22 forms grow.
- In St. Petersburg, a variety called Zibolda not only grows, but also bears fruit; Moscow and Smolensk can boast of the Kobus variety, and Vladivostok is decorated with the fragrant inflorescences of Kobum and Sulanzha.
Varieties and varieties
IN natural environment There are two varieties, including:
- deciduous
- evergreen
Evergreen magnolias, which belong to the second type, cannot cope with even slight frosts, so to grow this species you will need greenhouses where you can set the required temperature for normal development.
If magnolia is still grown in central Russia, then only deciduous varieties are allowed, since they normally react to changes in temperature, slightly changing their flowering period. Deciduous ones can be divided into several varieties, which include frost-resistant and conditionally frost-resistant species. In the last subgroup, with the onset of cold weather, the kidneys freeze a little.
Among the frost-resistant ones it should be noted:
Star or Magnolia stellata
Stellata
It originates from Japan. It is considered the most beautiful and spectacular species. Magnolia is a flower whose height does not exceed 2.5 meters.
The bare gray-brown shoots are decorated with 12-centimeter narrow elliptical leaves and graceful flowers with a diameter of about 10 cm. Ribbon-shaped petals, painted in snow-white tones, form a star-shaped shape. The variety has several forms: pink and kei.
Known varieties:
- Royal Star - with snow-white petals on large peduncles
- Gold Star - with cream flowers on the branches of the bush
The named species is also incredibly popular among most gardeners:
Magnolia Susan
The outer side of the petals is painted in a rich crimson red color, and their inner part much lighter, which makes the flower elegant and unusual. As if illuminated from within.
It is one of the hybrids from a small female personal series bred in the 50s, among which it should be noted:
It is not for nothing that all these “feminine” representatives of their kind stand out with rave reviews from many gardeners who value them for their excellent decorative qualities and easy care.
TO large-leaved Ashe – M. macrophylla ssp.ashei
This late-flowering variety is hardier than all others, and also has incredible decorative qualities. After you have planted a shrub, you will be able to enjoy its flowering only after a few years. It begins to open its buds in the last weeks of May, producing large cream flowers. The foliage has many similarities with tropical ones and can reach up to 70 cm.
Spring frosts are practically not dangerous for the Esha variety, due to the “delayed” May flowering, which is why most amateur and professional gardeners love it, and this beauty is more often found in private gardens.
Kobus or Magnolia kobus
Kobus view
Found in the wild in Japan and regions South Korea. In 1862, this species first appeared in New York, and in 1879 it was transported to Europe. It can reach a height of up to 10 meters, but if you meet it in the wild, it can even be several times higher.
The tree produces broad, obovate leaves with a slightly pointed tip. The upper part of the foliage is quite bright, while the lower side is a little lighter.
The circumference of the snow-white fragrant flowers is about 10 cm. This variety begins to bloom 10-12 years after planting.
Kobus is able to withstand frost, and is not harmed by exhaust gases and city dust. Northern plants cope with frost even better, and larger flowers appear on their shoots.
Loebner Magnolia loebneri
Hybrid star magnolia and Kobus, which collected their best qualities.
Namely:
has frost resistance and unpretentiousness,
has a beautiful original shape
it also emits a rich and memorable aroma
The spherical crown can reach up to 10 meters. The white petals have a slightly pinkish tint. They begin to bloom from the first days of April. The rich green leaves turn bronze in autumn.
- "Leonard Messel"
- "Encore"
- "Merrill"
Among less frost-resistant varieties There are such popular types as:
Magnolia Sieboldii - Magnolia sieboldii
The height of this deciduous tree is approximately 10 meters. Decorated with wide elliptical leaves measuring about 15 cm, as well as cupped white flowers mounted on a thin pubescent stem. The flowers can be from 7 to 10 cm in diameter. This variety can cope with frosts down to -36 degrees. Cultivated since 1865.
You can see this representative in Russia in Vladivostok and St. Petersburg. In Ukraine, you will be able to enjoy the blooming magnolia after visiting its capital.
Able to cope with minor frosts. Leaving 2-year-old seedlings to overwinter uncovered, in the spring you will see only slightly damaged upper parts of the shoots. Those trees that have reached three years of age will be able to cope with frosts reaching -33 degrees.
Magnolia in the Urals and Siberia can also be grown, but to do this you need to plant it in special huge tubs, which can be brought indoors when necessary.
Tulip-shaped Sulange - Magnolia x soulangeana
It is the offspring of the naked magnolia (Magnolia denudata). The height of this shrub reaches no more than 5 m. The obovate leaves reach up to 15 cm.
The size of goblet flowers varies from 15 to 25 cm. In addition, some of them may emit a sweetish aroma, but you can find flowers without any smell at all. The color of the petals can vary from pink to purple, and sometimes white.
Capable of growing at unfavorable conditions, and also not demanding on the soil.
This hybrid includes many varietal forms, which are most often used for decorating personal plots and recreation areas. It is found everywhere in courtyards and estates in towns and cities of Crimea, where conditions for growth are most suitable and favorable.
Among them it is worth noting: 
- Lenne. The outer part of the flowers is snow-white, but the inner part is pink-purple. An unforgettable aroma emanates from the tree.
- Alexandrina. The height of this species reaches 8 m. Refers to drought-resistant varieties. The outside of the petals are colored deep purple, while the inside is snow-white.
- Yellow River with sunny yellow and bright petals.
- Rubra or red magnolia is decorated with rose-red flowers.
- The German is distinguished by its pyramidal shape.
- Forrest's Pink decorates its bare branches with delicate pink flowers, which turn slightly pale as they bloom.
Lily flower - Magnolia liliiflora
The tree first appeared in Europe in 1790, but it originates in eastern China. The 11 cm flowers resemble lilies in shape. The flowers inside are snow-white, but they outer part purple. They give off a light aroma.
Lily magnolia care and cultivation, which is quite simple, still needs careful shelter for the winter. The fact is that the most delicate buds may be frozen, which means that flowering most likely will not occur.
Willow - Magnolia salicifolia
Another name is anise, because of the smell of the same name, which is exuded by a tree blooming on bare branches. Not frost-resistant at all, it can only withstand short-term frosts of about -20 ° C. A well-known hybrid of magnolia Kevenskaya with flowers - bells. It is almost impossible to find seedlings of this variety on sale. The pyramidal crown sometimes rises 10 meters in height. 8 cm flowers open on silvery shoots, from which a delicate aroma emanates. Magnolia from seeds grown at home will delight you with its flowering after just 5 years.
Large-flowered - Magnolia grandiflora
You can meet them in their natural environment on the territory North America. On an elegant cylindrical shoot there is a lush crown of rich green large leaves. The snow-white, rather large flowers, about 25 cm in circumference, emit a delicate scent. The fruits of this representative of the magnolia family are bright, cone-shaped. Over the course of a year, young shoots of the plant grow no more than 60 cm.
The lowest frost mark that a large-flowered magnolia can tolerate should not fall below 15 degrees. But the plant also has its advantages, because it is without special labor will be able to grow in the city, and it is practically not affected by pests and diseases.
It is worth noting the following forms of magnolia of this type:
- Narrow-leaved. The foliage of this species is much narrower than that of the main variety.
- Lanceolate magnolia is endowed with elongated leaves.
- The famous individual has wide leaves and flowers, reaching up to 35 cm in circumference.
- Early. The variety begins to flower much earlier than the main variety.
- Gartvis. The crown shape is pyramidal, the foliage is wavy.
- Draconian. This unusual form has low-hanging branches that can be rooted without much difficulty.
- Gallisonskaya. It tolerates harsh winters much better than the main species from which it was reproduced.
Obovate or white magnolia - Magnolia obovata
The unusual pyramidal shape can reach up to 12 m. This is the only species that is found in the wild in Russia. The upper part of the leaves is green, the lower part has a slightly blue tint. The 18 cm flowers are painted in cream color, and they also emit a pleasant, unforgettable aroma.
Varieties and types of magnolia video report:
Medicinal – Magnolia officinalis
Magnolia was first bred in China. It has a lot of similarities with the previous species, but has larger leaves. If we talk about flowers, it is worth noting that in their shape they resemble large lilies with slightly pointed petals. In China, the variety is considered medicinal and is used in medicine. It's quite rare among us.
Magnolia borage, sometimes pointed - Magnolia acuminata
You can see a flowering specimen in nature in deciduous forests or near rocky rivers. The 30-meter tree has a pyramidal crown. When the sapling grows into a tree, it becomes rounder.
The length of the oval or elliptical leaves reaches 24 cm. On top they are colored richly green color, and their lower part is gray-green, slightly pubescent. The bell-shaped flowers reach up to 8 cm in circumference and are colored emerald yellow, which is sometimes covered with a bluish bloom. The shape of the cucumber is oval or heart-shaped. In addition, it has smaller flowers that are deep yellow.
Of all the representatives of the magnolia family, it is one of the representatives of frost-resistant species.
In the USA, it was possible to develop a hybrid, which was called Brooklyn, by crossing the pointed and lily-flowered species with each other.
After you have learned about almost all types of magnolias, you need to decide which one is right for you. Before purchasing seedlings, be sure to study how whimsical the hybrid you have chosen is, as well as in what conditions it prefers to grow.
What you need to know when growing magnolia in central Russia
- If you want the plant to feel great in your garden, then find a place for it where there is no wind or drafts.
- Pay special attention to the soil, as it should not contain limestone. To get rid of it, add acidic peat to the soil.
- Heavy soil with high humidity, so give preference to well-drained areas.
- Magnolia planting and care in open ground, which is easy and simple, will feel best in southern, well-lit places. But remember that straight Sun rays harmful to the tree.
If you purchased a plant in a tub, then you can plant it in the ground at any time in the summer. But remember that the most suitable period is autumn, since at this time it hibernates. When buying a seedling, choose where the flower buds are.
Planting and care
If you follow all the necessary rules for planting and caring for the plant, it will for long years will be able to please you with its flowering. 
Magnolia flower: beneficial properties and applications
After you have managed to find out how to plant an exotic beauty, it is worth studying what properties it has, as well as where it is used.
The first thing to note is that the tree is poisonous and if you inhale the aroma of its flowers for too long, it can lead to headaches.
But this does not mean that magnolia shrub is harmful and you should stop growing it. The fact is that it has a lot of useful qualities, which you can now learn about.
- Thanks to tinctures, blood pressure is reduced.
- You can also get rid of bronchial asthma.
- In addition, it is an excellent antiseptic and with its help prevents the occurrence of caries.
The tree is also used in folk medicine, where it helps in the treatment of many ailments. Without exception, all parts of the plant are endowed with beneficial properties, therefore, to create medicinal product Both flowers and branches, as well as tree bark and foliage, are suitable.
Strengthening hair with magnolia 
To make your hair stronger you will need leaves that need to be crushed. For one liter of boiling water, use 3 tablespoons of leaves. Let them brew for a day and then you can use them. After washing your hair with regular shampoo, rinse your hair with the infusion of leaves.
In the East, charming flowers are very often used to compose a wedding bouquet for the bride. Snow-white delicate petals seem to symbolize the purity and innocence of the girl.
A tulip tree is, first of all, a creation of unforgettable beauty. She fascinates the people around her with her blooms. But in order to see this amazing process, you need to properly care for the plant, not forgetting about some nuances. Remember planting magnolia in the fall, this is the most favorable time and if your seedling begins to take over the garden in the autumn days, then it will certainly survive and will delight you for many years.
Magnolia flower in a pot in an apartment at home video:
