magnolia tree
Magnolia Tree



Magnolia Tree

The magnolia tree is probably one of the most beautiful trees when it is in full bloom. And why would you not think that with its precious little flowers covering the entire tree, making it look like it comes straight out of heaven and planted on earth, and perhaps that is closer to the truth than one would believe when you hear about the age of this beauty.

Although it might look fragile, the magnolia tree has been around for millions and millions of years and even outdates the bees which are the usual mean for plants to pollinate each other.


The magnolia tree actually uses beetles for pollination and that has made the flowers extremely tough against insect-attacks, not to be eaten before the beetle has a chance to fulfil its pollination

The flowers of the magnolia tree are pretty special from most other flower-bearing trees. Usually the front and back leaves of a flower, often referred to as petals and sepals, differs from each other both in shape, colour and texture but the on the flowers of the magnolia tree there is not such a difference. These flower leaves are known as tepals and the name originated from just the magnolia tree.

With the magnolia tree found in the eastern parts of northern America, the magnolia is the state flower in both Mississippi and Louisiana and also the state tree in Mississippi. But the magnolia tree is actually more common over the world than that. Also found in Central and South America, in the West Indies and also in the eastern parts of Asia where it since long is believed to have health-giving abilities, this ancient tree seems to have a great future ahead of it.

When planting a magnolia tree be sure to have the right tools in handy, one should never be caught under equipped while tending to a garden. Ask at your local garden store what kinds of tools and fertilizer you might need. The magnolia tree is not the easiest of trees to plant because it will need a lot of space around it and both watering and fertilizing during its younger years. If you place the magnolia tree so it is just partly shaded, you can count on that those parts will not bear flowers and therefore render the whole magnolia tree imperfect.

Once you get the magnolia tree growing there is very little you have to do. Pruning is absolutely unnecessary and even recommended against. The magnolia tree is a tree with very low branches, almost like a huge shrub, so if you wanted a shadow tree you should have chosen a different kind of tree that doesn’t take offence of you cutting of its lower limbs. Just remove dead and injured parts of your magnolia tree and watch it grow tall, wide and strong. And never forget to enjoy its beauty.


Magnolia Tree Care

Congratulations, you have probably found this site because you are interested of magnolia tree care and the planting that come before that, the single most beautiful tree in the whole wide world. But before you get started, be sure to have all the right equipment needed. Ask at your local garden store if you don’t have or know what you need.

Magnolia tree care tip #1

Something that you should know before planting is how your soil and climate are. Different magnolias like different kinds of environments and will affect the length of your magnolia tree care.

Although most magnolia trees prefer well drained soils it is not sure that it is the best solution for you. Also, some magnolias are so called evergreen plants, with that meaning it won’t drop it leaves at any special season but continuously grow leaves all over the year. If those are appropriate to your needs or if you want a magnolia tree that changes over seasons is also something you should consider before you get to work. They all differ when it comes to magnolia tree care.

Magnolia tree care tip #2

When planting a new magnolia tree, be sure to keep its roots moist at all times before it gets into the ground. If the roots get too dry the whole tree can be ruined before you even get to planting it. That would just be proof of bad magnolia tree care. Plant the magnolia tree at the same depth as it was when you bought it and be gentle while filling the hole, remember that most magnolias prefer well drained soils. If you plant it from seeds, just follow the instructions that follow, they are there to help and guide you through the process, if you still feel uncertain, ask at your local garden store. They will most probably have some good tips on magnolia tree care.

Magnolia tree care tip #3

While growing your young magnolia tree, care for its need and give it water and fertilizer once and awhile. This is especially important during the growth season when the magnolia tree tries to pull as much energy as it can from the ground. For good magnolia tree care, try not to use any pesticide if not called for, it is better for the tree and its surroundings to be spared unnecessary sprayings. Also, do not prune the young plant. This is no oak or other shade tree but more of an enormous and beautiful bush, it is supposed to have low-growing branches.

Magnolia tree care tip #4

Once fully grown you can put your skill of magnolia tree care to the side, the tree now cares for itself. Never prune if not called for and water it only in case of a very dry season. Remove dead pieces from it and try to let it get as much sun as possible. If in the shade of another plant, the only great magnolia tree care is to cut the other plant or relocate it. The magnolia tree needs its space and can not be allowed to stand in the shade. It will hold back its growth and even inhibit the magnolia tree from flowering. No one with magnolia tree care skills would want that.

For more information, check out Magnolias: A Gardener's Guide




 

Magnolia tree
Magnolia tree


Copyright 2006 magnoliatree.info. Header picture by Kurt Stueber
magnolia tree