If you love sakura/cherry blossom, you must love the other typical flowers, such as the magnolia flower. This flower is highly appreciated due to its beautiful blossoms on the trees, making it a perfect addition to the garden or even the streets.
The flower blooms during the spring and is often confused with the cherry blossom due to its similar appearance. However, the magnolia flowers have a different shape and a unique look. Of course, this flower has a strong relationship since long ago in the history of many societies.
The magnolia is a term firstly introduced by a Swedish botanist, Carl Linneaus in 1737 to honour the French botanist named, Pierre Magnol (1638-1715). This flower was found in Europe by the mid 18th century.
Meanwhile, the earliest record about the cultivation of this flower was found in Aztec history during the reign of Montezuma, where there is an illustration of a rare magnolia dealbata. Interestingly, this species only survives in a few places, such as in the wild. However, at that time, the natives cut the flowers for festivals, which prevented the flowers from growing. This species itself was found by a Spanish explorer called Hernandez.
Another interesting fact about this flower is that magnolia flowers are one of the most primitive plants. It is found that these flowers once existed in Europe, Asia, and North America for over 100 million years. Today, the indigenous mostly found in Southern China and the Southern United States. At least there are 80 species which half are tropical species.
As we said earlier, the magnolia flowers are mostly tropical. This is why some magnolia species can thrive well in warm temperatures and alsoin subtropical regions. In general, the flower loves rich, moist, and well-drained soil. Typically, this flower is found in the forest, woodlands, coastal plains, riverbanks, mountain forests, and also in urban areas.
As the species is very diverse, the magnolia can grow in different types of climates. In general, the USDA hardiness zones are between 4 and 10. Some species can live in a frost-hardy environment between -29°C. Meanwhile, most varieties will grow well in a temperature between 16°C and 27 °C.
Keep in mind that magnolia generally prefers medium to high humidity with consistent moisture. Besides, it also needs full sun to help it produce more flowers. If not, partial shade still helps.
Magnolia flowers have a distinctive shape with petals and sepals of similar size, color, and shape. It has more petals compared to the cherry blossom/sakura. Besides, surprisingly, this flower has a unique shape of fruit, producing a cone-shaped one, depending on the species. The flower shape looks more like a cup when it is not blooming fully, and it will become star-like when it blooms perfectly.
This bloom also often comes with waxy petals and appears in some colors, such as yellow, purple, and the most popular ones include pink and white. When it is blooming, the flower can reach 25 in diameter with a unique fragrance ranging from lemony to sweet.
Like a lot of flowers with strong relationships with cultures, the magnolia flower is also used to express the feeling of someone. The symbolism of the flower comes out as an interesting fact from nature and human beings. A lot of the time, flowers are often associated with history, legends, myths, and others, creating a special bond between how humans communicate with each other and the plant itself.
Keep in mind that the magnolia flower is known to be a hard and tough flower that can adapt easily to various climates and environments. It is not surprising, the flowers have been naturally grown for a million years. This is the reason the flower is often associated with endurance, eternity, and long life.
When it comes to meaning, there are different meanings that represent each species. For example, the following ones:
As there are a lot of species of magnolia flowers, keep in mind to pay attention to their natural habitat. Each species is sometimes not frost -hardy so you have to be careful when picking the flowers that can be grown in your area.
For example, deciduous magnolias should be planted during late fall or winter, while the green magnolias are planted in the early spring.
If you want to successfully grow the flower, you can consider the tree's mature height and width, so that in the future you will not waste your time on excessive care.
Many species of magnolia flowers need full sun, which is not surprising as half of the flower's species is tropical. At least you need to put the plant in an area with direct sunlight for at least 6 hours or more per day.
Once the flower starts to establish well, the flower is more drought-tolerant. You can water the flower a few times a week if your flower starts to establish perfectly. Usually, it is during the first two years. In terms of fertilizer, you can use the balanced fertilizer around its perimeter, and you need to do it during the second growing season.
That is all about the magnolia flowers and how to cultivate them. Using this flower as a gift is a great idea, but if you consider something easier with an elegant look, Athaya Florist is the perfect place. We can help you create the most stunning flower arrangement for any kind of occasion, formal or informal. Contact our team for more information.
