Magnolia Dai Fiori Grandi

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Magnoliaceae

Order

Magnoliales

Genus

Magnolia

Species

grandiflora

Description

First-class, perennial, evergreen tree. Appreciated for its habitus with wide conical-pyramidal foliage suitable for providing shade during the hottest season, as well as for its elegant and scenic spring blossoming bearing cup-shaped flowers distinguishable by their large creamy-white petals and sweet, intense fragrance. The evergreen Magnolia is used as an ornamental species for gardens and parks, also in urban areas where it shows excellent resistance to heat and air pollution.

Varietal description

Persistent-leaved tree with a regular, formal habit. Cultivated both with tall tree-like branches and with base foliage. Medium to large in size, it has a compact, slender crown and regular, close-set branches. Dark green, glossy leathery leaves. Scenic flowering with large cream-coloured flowers. Good adaptability to various soil types and growing environments; adapts to urban climates showing excellent resistance to heat stress. Requires a sunny exposure and tolerates half-shade. A tree that develops both shallow and deep roots, it grows well in all soil types, preferably fertile and organic. Typically ornamental tree, for park areas, gardens and rows or small groups. Also suitable for green roofs and residential areas. Resistant to pathogens and requires no pruning.

curiosity and special features

The flowers of the Magnolia grandiflora are used in cosmetics for their particular fragrance in the formulation of perfumes, oils and incense.

The genus was dedicated by Linnaeus to the French botanist P. Magnol, director of the botanical garden of Montpellier during the 17th century, while the specific epithet refers to the large size of the flowers.

Origin and Diffusion

Native to a range extending from the southeastern United States to Texas, it was introduced to Europe in the early 18th century as an ornamental species.

Leaf

The leathery evergreen leaves have an oval lamina with a sharp apex.

Flowering period

The elegant flowering lasts from early spring to late spring for 10 to 20 days, displaying large, highly fragrant hermaphrodite flowers with creamy-white petals.

Leaf color

Unicoloured, dark green and shiny on the upper page, ferruginous-copperous and slightly pubescent on the lower page.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 2 to 30 m depending on the type of cultivation; in general, it is considered to be a first-class plant.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen tree.

Suggested planting locations

Mainly used for open-field cultivation Magnolia grandiflora is suitable for adding high ornamental value to green spaces such as gardens, parks and urban rows.

Stem/stem

The stem is woody with thick, homogeneous bark, grey or light brown in colour; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect with compact, conical-pyramidal foliage.

branching

The branching is on the whole abundant with regular, closely spaced branches.

pH

It prefers soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

soil preparation

Before transplanting at the end of autumn, choose the most suitable location, in relation to the plant's needs, and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third larger than the volume of roots or root ball to be transplanted. The planting soil should preferably be of a medium consistency, free of weeds and bulky pebbles; it is advisable to bury organic or chemical fertiliser for a base fertilisation to ensure the nutrients the plant needs in the early post-transplant phases, and to add professional-quality substrate on the surface for about 5/10 cm.

sun exposure

For optimal flowering, choose a full sun exposure when transplanting.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 5 and 30 °C; it is a tree that grows well in both Mediterranean and continental environments.

Use

Due to its bearing and spectacular flowering, it is widely appreciated in different green areas such as:

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping

Hardiness

A variety with medium to high hardiness, it adapts well to different growing environments including urban ones where it shows excellent heat resistance.

Soil/medium

It adapts to different soil conditions, however, optimal growth is achieved in a mixed organic-clayey, loamy and well-draining soil.

Maintenance

Cultivation requires an overall low level of management effort once the plant is established in the new planting site.

cultivation tips

Here are some specific cultivation measures and aspects to achieve the best vegetative growth and flowering performance:

Balanced fertilisation For a good, abundant and continuous flowering, it is necessary to fertilise well both in autumn and in spring at the vegetative restart and to water regularly Exposure to direct light

planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 1500 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle 'the right plant in the right place'.

It is advisable to prune roots that are too long when transplanting and to reduce the ramifications if they are very dense; also water the roots with water and mix with symbiont fungi or mycorrhizae before transplanting.

pruning

A species that does not require pruning except in cases of extreme necessity.

Reproduction/Propagation

Reproduction can be by seed or cuttings.

Irrigation

After transplanting, assist the plant by carrying out an initial abundant wetting to allow it to better develop the root system in the new site, keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and provide quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons.

Fertilization

When preparing the soil for transplanting, do a background fertilisation by burying organic or chemical granular fertiliser, specific for ornamental plants. After planting in the new site, fertilise in spring and autumn without exceeding doses and frequencies.

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Human toxicity

Ingestion toxicity to humans not known, however do not ingest any parts.

advise 1

A tree that can be appreciated both with low branching and also pruned with tall tree-like branches. Does not require pruning, only in cases of extreme necessity. Has excellent flowering that grows with age and without pruning.