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Photos of the magnolia tree and flowers show one of the first flowering plants of spring. In nature, there are about 200 species of flowering tree, which naturally grows in mountain forests and on the edges. As a mesophytic plant, magnolia prefers a moderately humid and warm habitat.
What does a magnolia look like
Magnolia can be an evergreen or deciduous tree, or a shrub. The bark of the branches is brown or gray. In height, the large size reaches from 5 to 30 m, grows spreading. The leaves are elongated, glossy, dense, dark green in color.
According to the photo and description of the magnolia tree, its large flowers, depending on the species, can be:
- pearl white;
- cream;
- pale pink;
- bright yellow;
- red;
- purple.
Petals in shape can be wide or narrow, arranged in several rows of 6-12 pcs.
Where does magnolia grow
In natural conditions, a flowering tree grows in Japan and China, North America. Most species prefer tropical and subtropical climates. In Europe, a flowering plant appeared only in the 18th century.
A beautifully flowering tree, as a park culture, is grown on the coasts of Sochi, Crimea, and the Caucasus.
With the development of breeding and the appearance 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 middle zone of the country can be found commercially and planted in private gardens.
How fast magnolia grows
Magnolia is a long-liver among flowering plants. Differs in slow growth. Annual growth can be 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 foliage opens and the pollinating insects fly out. Depending on the species and variety, the flowers reach from 8 to 25 cm in diameter. Large flowers look especially graceful 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 tight. The closed, elongated buds resemble unblown tulips. After flowering, the fallen petals create a colored 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 the end of summer.
A photo 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 magnolia blooms in Crimea
The climate on the southern coast of Crimea is well suited for a delicate flower.The charming flowering of deciduous and evergreen varieties of exotic plants continues throughout the spring and summer, replacing each other. The first photo of a blooming magnolia can be taken in March.
One of the early blooming magnolias of 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 many magnolia blooms
Magnolia begins to bloom, depending on the growing region, from late February to early May. At the same time, there are many flowers on the tree in different stages of development, so the flowering of magnolia lasts from 20 days to several months.
How magnolia smells
The aroma of flowers is intense, heady, vanilla-citrus. Plucking branches with flowers and placing them indoors is not recommended. With prolonged inhalation of the strong aroma, it causes discomfort, headaches and nausea. To improve your well-being, it is enough to remove the flowers and ventilate the room. Some varieties are odorless.
The sweet, thick, slightly astringent aroma is used by perfumers to create premium perfumes.
What year does magnolia bloom after planting?
Magnolia bloom time depends on the method of reproduction and origin. Species magnolias bloom in the 10-14th year, in some cases flowering for the first time occurs only after 30 years of the tree's existence. Hybrids bloom much earlier - 4-7 years after planting. Plants grown from seed bloom later than those obtained from vegetative propagation.
Types and varieties of magnolia
The genus of flowering plants of 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 subdivided into evergreen and deciduous.
Large-flowered is one of the most popular evergreen varieties. In natural conditions, it reaches 30 m in height. The crown is shaped like a wide pyramid, densely leafy. 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.
The huge flowers of a milky white hue are in the shape of a bowl. The species has a long flowering that lasts all summer. The number of simultaneously flowering flowers on the tree is small. The flowers are very fragrant. It belongs to the most ancient and hardy species among evergreens.
Sulange 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 nude and lily-colored 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 in the description of the magnolia shrub, you can observe that the flowers of the hybrid are large, in garden forms they reach 25 cm in diameter. The shape is goblet, the petals are massive, dense, the color of the outer part varies from pale pink to deep crimson, and the inner part is white. Flowering begins simultaneously with the opening of the leaves.
Frost-resistant varieties of magnolia
Only deciduous plant species are classified as frost-resistant varieties. A special feature 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 transfer of an exotic plant to the Northern regions began in the 70s of the last century.
Pointed - one of the most winter-hardy species, homeland is North America, where it is also called "cucumber tree" because of the shape of the fruit. The species became the progenitor of many varieties and hybrids. A large, deciduous tree, it grows up to 30 m in height, the thickness of the trunk of an adult specimen reaches 1.2 m.
Photos and descriptions of the Pointed Magnolia 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, about. Hokkaido. Under natural conditions, it grows up to 25 m in height, in culture - no higher than 10 m. The crown is rounded-hipped, spreading, reaches 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 flowers of a milky white color, about 10 cm in diameter.
Flowering begins in mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. Most drought tolerant 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 is able to withstand winter temperatures down to -39 ° C. The crown is spreading out, expanding to 7.5 m in diameter. The leaves are large, elliptical. The blossoming flowers are saucer-shaped. Petals are white, numerous stamens are red-crimson. The flower reaches 7-10 cm in diameter.
Flowering begins after the leaves open. A photo of magnolia in bloom can be taken in mid-May to June. May re-bloom in late summer.
Dwarf magnolia varieties
Magnolia is usually a large plant, so trees that do not reach a height of 3 m are considered small. Given their slow growth, these trees reach their maximum height in 12-15 years, so they are well suited for small gardens.
Star-shaped - deciduous shrub or short tree up to 2.5 m in height with a spherical crown. The leaves are elongated, oval, up to 12 cm in length. It features narrow, ribbon-like snow-white petals. The flower grows up to 10 cm in diameter.
It blooms long before the leaves appear at + 15 ° С, much earlier than other species. It blooms for a long time, in terms of frost resistance it is inferior to the Kobus species.
Figo - an evergreen shrub with a spherical crown shape, with a height of 1.8 to 3 m. For a sweet aroma similar to a banana, the shrub is often called banana. Young leaves are slightly pubescent, adults without pubescence, glossy, dark green, in length - from 4 to 10 cm. Thanks to the beautiful foliage, the shrub looks decorative even without flowers.
Yellowish-green flowers consist of 6-9 petals, flowering from April to June.
Lebner - a hybrid obtained from crossing the species Zvezdchantaya and Kobus, growing only in culture 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 - from white to pink, with 9-12 petals. Blooms in the 7-10th year. Flowering is very abundant, until the leaves open. Many flowers bloom on the branches at the same time.
The use of magnolia in traditional medicine
Magnolia essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Unlike the aroma of a lively bouquet of flowers, which causes dizziness and headache, the oil, when the dosage is observed, has a calming effect.
The essential oil is obtained from leaves and flowers, its smell eliminates headaches, including migraines, relieves general body fatigue. Improves the emotional background, increases personal self-esteem.
Preparations with extract of magnolia leaves lower blood pressure in hypertension, reduce pain in the heart. Massage with magnolia oil has a relaxing effect on muscles, relieves joint pain.
Interesting facts about magnolia
Blooming magnolia in southern cities has become a real treat. Not only locals come to admire the ancient exotic flowers, but also guests from colder regions come.
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, which were named by female names;
- the exquisite plant bloomed on Earth even before the 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 that appeared for the first time in Europe amazed the audience so much that all the ladies wanted to have it. A real flower fever began, gardeners stole flowers from each other and sold them at the price of a diamond jewelry;
- a graceful flower is given to the beloved with the promise of eternal love;
- a girl who sees the flowering of magnolia can count on an early marriage.
Magnolia flowers are not cut not only because of their intoxicating aroma, but also according to the belief that the one who picks off 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 the magnolia tree and flowers do not leave anyone indifferent. The inhabitants of the northern regions want to have a 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.
