Fun Flower Facts: Magnolia

Magnolia, is a genus consisting of over 200 species of evergreen flowering trees and shrubs.  They are commonly found in North America and southeast Asia. Magnolias are popular ornamental plants  grown for their showy fragrant flowers and dark green, leathery leaves.

Interestingly, magnolia flowers don’t have true petals and sepals, but tepals, petal-like structures.  The flowers come in shades of white, pink, purple and red and bloom in the spring and summer. The magnolia also produces a reddish-brown cone-like fruit in the center of the flower, which contains the seeds.  The fruit is a source of food for birds.

Because of the diversity of this genus, the sizes of magnolia plants vary. Some trees can grow to a height of 90ft tall and can spread to 30-50 ft across.

Magnolias are disease and pest-resistant. Plant magnolias in full sun, in nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil for the best results. Be sure to give the plant lots of room to grow. Water regularly.

Climate Zones: 5-9

Fun Flower Facts about magnolia:

• the name Magnolia was named after the French botanist, Pierre Magnol
• nutmeg trees, tulip trees, and ylang-ylang are types of magnolia
• magnolias are the most ancient flowering plants; scientists have found fossils dating back millions of years ago
• some magnolia trees can live to be 100 years old or longer
• magnolias don’t yield true nectar, but produce an abundance of protein-rich pollen
• flowers are pollinated by beetles
• the bark and the flower buds have been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine
• it’s  the official state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana; Mississippi is known as the “Magnolia State” for its abundance of flowers
• it’s the national flower of North Korea
• the lumber is used to make furniture, pallets and veneer
• in the Victorian language of flowers, magnolias represent dignity and splendid beauty

Related articles

• My Magnolia Tree Is Blooming Again (donkeywhispererfarm2010.wordpress.com)