Germination of Magnolia seeds – When you are ready to develop a magnolia tree from seed, you should sow the seeds in the spring, either in the ground or in containers. Cover the seeds with around 14 inch (0.5 cm) of dirt and maintain a wet soil until the seedlings emerge.
How long does it take a magnolia to develop from a seed?
How to Germinate Magnolia Trees In the fall, Magnolia trees release seed cones that litter yards and sidewalks. The beautiful crimson seeds are a treat for squirrels and migrating birds, and they may also be used to propagate further magnolias! Growing magnolias from seed is an exercise in patience; not only will you have to wait a few months to see indications of sprouting, but it may take up to 15 years for the seedlings to blossom! However, if you have ever witnessed a Southern magnolia in full bloom, you know that the wait is worthwhile.
Ask an Expert! Mandy Tu, plant taxonomist and herbarium curator at the Magnolias Hoyt Arboretum, answers your growing botany questions! Email us for assistance. How old do Magnolia trees get? This varies on the species, and very little is known about the majority of species.
- It is believed that most southern magnolia trees (Magnolia grandiflora) live between 80 and 120 years, yet the oldest tree on record was found in Italy and was 320 years old.
- Also in 2017, a 190-year-old historic southern magnolia tree was removed from the White House grounds.
- You may read further information about particular tree.
In addition, we are aware that certain Magnolia trees may take decades to mature and bloom (for instance, M. campbellii ). The earliest Magnolia accessions in Hoyt Arboretum date back to 1928, when the Arboretum was initially conceived and planted. It is difficult to determine if they were planted in 1928 or if the date was assigned automatically when data were transferred.
Nevertheless, if our star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) trees were indeed planted in 1928, they would be around 90 years old! What’s up with the taxonomy of the Magnolia family? Is Michelia, for instance, closely related to Magnolia? Indeed, Magnolia family taxonomy may be really perplexing! Some scientists have produced improvements to the taxonomy and classification of the Magnolia group; however, these modifications have not been recognized by the plant taxonomy community, or there are delays in obtaining information approved.
In the most current Flora of China (2008), the authors of the family Magnoliaceae divided the family into thirteen separate genera, reserving the term Magnolia solely for the species Magnolia grandiflora. Yes, this covers Liriodendron as well (the tulip trees).
- Based on morphological and genetic data (including characteristics such as if the plants are evergreen vs.
- Deciduous, how the flowers are borne on the stems, if the fruits open along the outside vs.
- Inside edge, if the young emerging leaves are folded vs.
- Open in bud, number of ovules per carpel, etc.), the authors of this update have determined that the Magnolia genus is now to be divided into several genera, the better-known of which However, this splitting up of the genus is not entirely accepted by the plant taxonomy community, and since we at Hoyt Arboretum are using the PlantList (based at Kew Gardens) and the Tropicos database (based at Missouri Botanical Garden) as the primary sources for our name changes and updates, and they are both still retaining the broad-use (sensu lato) name of Magnolia to encompass all of these genera and species, it is easier for us to simply use Magnolia.
Yes, it may be really perplexing! About the Author Dr. Mandy Tu is the Plant Taxonomist and Herbarium Curator at Hoyt Arboretum for Portland Parks & Recreation. She is responsible for collecting voucher specimens and confirming the identity of the trees inside the Arboretum, and natural area managers in the Portland area frequently contact her to identify species.
Where do magnolia trees thrive the most?
What type of light does your garden receive? – Magnolias like full sun to mild shade. If you live in an extremely hot or dry region, though, your magnolia may benefit from midday shade. If possible, avoid exposed, windy situations, since high gusts can harm huge blossoms and normally fragile limbs.
How long does a magnolia tree take to bloom?
Evergreen Magnolias – Magnolia grandiflora, the native Southern magnolia with massive, glossy foliage and enormous, fragrant white flowers, is the Mississippi and Louisiana state flower. Few trees can rival its beauty throughout the year. It does, however, have certain disadvantages.
- Typically, it takes 10 years after planting for unnamed seedlings to blossom.
- Dense shade and shallow roots prevent grass from growing beneath the canopy, and if the tree is planted between the sidewalk and curb, the roots typically fracture and raise the concrete.
- Although evergreen, M.
- Grandiflora leaves can fall 365 days a year.
As the tree may grow as broad as 40 feet and as tall as 80 feet, it consumes a great deal of yard area. Newer varieties, such as ‘Little Gem,’ only reach 10 feet in width and 20 feet in height. As a smaller tree, the sweet bay (M. virginiana) is simpler to accommodate in most gardens.
- Although it is predominantly deciduous in the Upper and Middle South, in the Lower and Coastal South it is evergreen and more cold-resistant than M.
- Grandiflora.
- This group contains plants that were previously classified under the name Michelia.
- These trees and shrubs are native to China and the Himalayas and are often less cold-hardy than other evergreen magnolias; they thrive in zones 8 or 9 and warmer.
They are well-known for their abundant, very fragrant blossoms, which are produced among their leaves rather than at the ends of their branches.
