Magnolia
The Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is the iconic gem of the south that has captured the hearts of so many. This beautiful tree is enjoyed not only by residents of the United States, but by those living in Mexico, Central America, and Asia.
While there are about 125 species of Magnolia trees which can be deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen, the most common in South Carolina are Southern
magnolia (M. grandiflora), star magnolia (M. stellata) and sweetbay magnolia (M. virginiana).
Magnolia trees are valued for the unique quality of creating deep shade. You cannot mistake the leaves of the Southern Magnolia. They are leathery with a shiny dark green on top, and a rich bronze hew and a fuzziness beneath. And of course the flowers are the Southern Magnolia’s charismatic fulcrum. They are 6-8 inches across and pure white. These flowers bloom prolifically in the early summer and can continue to appear in smaller numbers for the rest of the season.
Southern Magnolias reach up to 80 feet high and can be 30 to 50 feet wide. The ideal soil for most magnolias is rich, porous, acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) and well-drained. Most tolerate moderate drought and some tolerate wet soils. Magnolias should be planted in full sun or partial shade.
Since Magnolias are generally soft-wooded, they are prone to breakage during high winds or ice-storms. Pruning of these trees is most beneficial early in tree's life to create shape and give way to healthy and beautiful growth.
References:
Debbie Shaughnessy, HGIC Information Specialist, and Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University. (New 05/99).
CaseyTrees Blog, http://caseytrees.org/blog/tree-of-the-month-southern-magnolia-2/, June 4, 2013.
The Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is the iconic gem of the south that has captured the hearts of so many. This beautiful tree is enjoyed not only by residents of the United States, but by those living in Mexico, Central America, and Asia.
While there are about 125 species of Magnolia trees which can be deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen, the most common in South Carolina are Southern
magnolia (M. grandiflora), star magnolia (M. stellata) and sweetbay magnolia (M. virginiana).
Magnolia trees are valued for the unique quality of creating deep shade. You cannot mistake the leaves of the Southern Magnolia. They are leathery with a shiny dark green on top, and a rich bronze hew and a fuzziness beneath. And of course the flowers are the Southern Magnolia’s charismatic fulcrum. They are 6-8 inches across and pure white. These flowers bloom prolifically in the early summer and can continue to appear in smaller numbers for the rest of the season.
Southern Magnolias reach up to 80 feet high and can be 30 to 50 feet wide. The ideal soil for most magnolias is rich, porous, acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) and well-drained. Most tolerate moderate drought and some tolerate wet soils. Magnolias should be planted in full sun or partial shade.
Since Magnolias are generally soft-wooded, they are prone to breakage during high winds or ice-storms. Pruning of these trees is most beneficial early in tree's life to create shape and give way to healthy and beautiful growth.
References:
Debbie Shaughnessy, HGIC Information Specialist, and Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University. (New 05/99).
CaseyTrees Blog, http://caseytrees.org/blog/tree-of-the-month-southern-magnolia-2/, June 4, 2013.
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