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Among the many ornamental trees and shrubs, the large-flowered magnolia stands out for the beauty of flowering, which adorned the globe even in the era of dinosaurs. Today there are 240 species in the world. Most of them grow in the subtropical climate of the northern hemisphere.
The American magnolia grandiflora is especially popular among many varieties, the photo of which is presented below. The plant has just a huge size, 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 the large-flowered magnolia got its name thanks to the works of the French botanist Magnolu. In the wild, it is most often found in the Asian territory and in North America. There are more than 120 species in the world, of which up to 25 varieties tolerate frost well.
In height, the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora can reach 30 m. The wide crown is pyramidal or ovoid. Large dark green foliage with a lower edge.
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 to August. After flowering, the original cone-like fruits are formed. Fruiting is annual.
For cultivation in the middle zone of the country, it is recommended to choose seedlings that have already been acclimatized in Russia. Cultures brought from European countries are much more thermophilic.
Seedlings of large-flowered magnolia from Poland take root well. For example, this is the hardy Alba variety. With a good layer of mulch, it can withstand frosts down to - 20-23 ° C. This group includes Victoria and Edith bogue. They have frost resistance up to - 25 0С.
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 have not yet flown. Once a flower is fully blooming, 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, purple. 6-12 petals are attached to the perianth, which are located in 2-4 circles.
Reproduction methods
Before planting work, you should determine which species the large-flowered 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 by cuttings or young layering. In early spring, cut the cuttings to the desired length. This should be done before the flowers and foliage have blossomed.The shoots are cut only from young branches, since roots are poorly formed on older ones.
Layers
This breeding method is only suitable for large-flowered magnolia shrubs. The lower layers, located horizontally, are sprinkled with earth. Mature trees can be propagated using air cuttings. Rooting occurs within 1-2 years. After this period, the seedling can be planted in a permanent place.
Seeds
Interestingly, the magnolia has a large-flowered fruit in the form of a cone, which consists of seed leaflets. The seeds have an oily texture, 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 seedlings and soak for several days in water. Rub through a sieve.
- To remove oiliness from crop seeds, they are washed in soapy water and under water. Dry well and mix with sand and put in a bag.
- Put it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for a month for stratification. This will improve germination rates.
- Seeds of large-flowered magnolia are treated with a fungicidal agent and laid out in one row on a wet layer of bryozoan.
- As soon as they hatch, you can sow into a container to a depth of 1 cm.
Growing magnolia grandiflora outdoors
Magnolia Grandiflora has a very interesting description of the species. And the large-flowered magnolia variety itself is suitable for growing only for those who have great patience and determination. Although there are many such amateurs 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 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 imperceptibly. This increases the chances of survival. Magnolia shrubs can also be planted in spring. Young trees of large-flowered magnolia grandiflora should be protected from frost so that their root system does not suffer.
Site selection and soil preparation for large-flowered magnolia
The first step is to choose a good planting site where the large-flowered magnolia will grow. The tree does not tolerate very well open areas where northerly winds prevail. 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 a fertile, mulched soil. Drainage in the hole is required. Fine gravel, crushed stone will do. Magnolia readily responds to regular watering and the introduction of fertilizing fluids for 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 the fall, they have time to build up a strong root system and take root. Thanks to the strengthened roots, large-flowered magnolia is actively developing. The frost resistance of the culture is generally good, so it can withstand the harsh snowy winters of the middle zone.
Young growth for the winter needs to be mulched. Make sure that the root collar of the plant protrudes no more than 3 cm above the ground.
When planting a large-flowered magnolia, a hole is dug 60x60 cm in size. For larger specimens of culture, the pit will need to be tripled. Pour a drainage layer on the bottom of the hole.On top, add a fertile soil mixture consisting of rotted compost, peat layer and coarse sand. After planting, water the seedling abundantly.
Growing rules
An adult bush of large-flowered magnolia grandiflora does not tolerate transplants. If there is an urgent need for a new place for culture, 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 that, the cultivation of the crop is the most common, like other trees. At first, the large-flowered magnolia seedling is regularly watered, but in moderation 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 large-flowered magnolia grandiflora seedling needs to be watered twice a week. In the sultry heat, the foliage is plunged over by sprinkling. Such a preventive technique prevents spider mites from multiplying on culture. To reduce evaporation, straw, pine layers or sawdust should be placed near the trunk circle.
Top dressing
The feeding components for the culture begin to be applied in the 3rd year after planting. Until this moment, the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora feeds on those fertilizers that were originally laid in the planting pit. Mineral and organic compounds are used as dressings.
One of the types of dressings for large-flowered magnolias: rotted mullein - 1kg, carbamide - 15g, saltpeter crystals - 20g, water - 10l. Under each adult tree, you need to pour 40 liters of a similar composition. The culture is fed 2-3 times during the entire growing season.
Pruning
Large-flowered magnolia grandiflora practically does not need pruning. In this culture, the natural formation of the crown is usually laid by nature itself. And, nevertheless, it is necessary to remove damaged and dried branches.
In late autumn, when the evergreen large-flowered magnolia stops blooming and almost completely loses its foliage, pruning can be carried out. In the spring, this is absolutely impossible to do, since there is an increased secretion of juice. The wounds of this culture are constantly flowing, which can lead to disease and death of the tree.
Preparing for winter
It is impossible to cover an adult tree for the winter period, but it is quite possible to take care of the root system. Slightly loosen the soil around the trunk circle, sprinkle with a layer of mulch on top.
Young seedlings of this culture 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, heavy torrential spring / autumn rains.
Pests and diseases
The magnolia tree has good stress tolerance and strong immunity, so this culture is rarely exposed to diseases. Although this does not eliminate the need to inspect foliage and buds annually for the presence of harmful insects and diseases. After all, they can easily move from other cultures.
Despite strong immunity, large-flowered magnolia can be affected by verticilliasis. With the development of this disease, the foliage turns yellow in the tree. Spores affect the crop starting from the bottom of the crown. The wood begins to die off, acquiring a brown color. Such a branch must be immediately removed and the cut must be lubricated with garden varnish.
The causative agent of the disease is the spore fungus verticillum. A treacherous disease can destroy an adult tree in just a week. If symptoms were noticed at an early 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
Large-flowered magnolia is beautiful during flowering, and not only during this period. After the flowers wither, the tree is decorated with decorative wide foliage.No wonder plant breeders call her the empress of landscape design. Caring for the large-flowered magnolia grandiflora is not very difficult, but then the tree will thank you with fragrant and charming flowers. There is hardly a person who is indifferent to the beauty of this tropical exotic.
