Magnolias are famous all over the world for their flowers and shapes. Magnolia grandiflora is commonly known as the bull bay. They can grow to be enormous shrubs or trees, with spectacular, fragrant flowers in white, pink, red, purple, or yellow. Some evergreens have glossy, leathery leaves, while others have felt-like hairs trying to cover the buds, stems, and undersides of the leaves.
More than 200 species of magnolia can be found in mild winters, tropics and subtropics, and tropical regions of Southeast Asia, eastern North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. Due to their lovely flowers and other characteristics, they are now widely planted around the world.
See also about Magnolia champaca.
Source: Pinterest
See also: Magnolia Liliiflora
Magnolia grandiflora: Key facts
| Common Name | Bull bay |
| Native | Southeastern USA |
| Flowers | White, pink, red, purple |
| Sunlight | Full |
| Soil pH | Acidic, neutral, alkaline |
| Bloom time | Spring, Summer |
| Flower colour | White, cream |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
See also: What is Hibiscus and how to grow it in your home?
Light
This plant does well in partial shade.
Native
This plant is a native of southeastern US.
Leaves
The plant bears lustrous dark green leaves that grow on the conical crown.
see also about: champa tree
Magnolia Grandiflora: How to grow?
- Gather ripe cones from a mature tree. Dry until the fleshy fruits are easily removed. To remove the seed coating, soak the seeds in warm water for 1-2 days. Drain the water once the coating has softened.
- With a tissue, clean and dry the seeds. Sow the seeds immediately and overwinter in a cold frame, or mix with moist peat, vermiculite or sand, place in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for two months before sowing.
- It can take up to 18 months for seeds to germinate.
- Move the seedlings to a light shade position once they are large enough to handle. It is beneficial to keep them in a cold frame or greenhouse for their first full winter.
See also: 21 best flowers for your garden
Magnolia Grandiflora: Maintenance
Sunlight
Magnolias thrive in full sun to light shade in the garden. If you live in a particularly hot or dry area, your magnolia may benefit from a location shielded from the sweltering afternoon sun. Avoid exposure to windy areas as much as possible because high gusts can break branches and harm large blossoms.
Soil requirements
Even though neutral to slightly alkaline soils are suitable for growth, most magnolia species prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Although magnolias can grow in clay, loam, or dust soils, a large percentage of them do not tolerate wet or poorly drained conditions. Plants with a strong foundation can withstand some drought.
Source: Pinterest
See also: How to grow and care for Oxalis Triangularis.
Magnolia grandiflora: Uses
- The bark has diaphoretic, stimulant, and tonic properties. It is used to treat malaria and rheumatoid arthritis. For prickly heat itching, a decoction has been used as a wash and bath.
- The decoction has also been used as a sore wash and a steam bath to treat oedema.
- An alcoholic extract of the plant lowers blood pressure and causes a slight increase in respiration, but has no effect on the heart.
- Magnolia species have anti-inflammatory properties that have been linked to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the lignans honokiol and magnolol have been linked to a variety of pharmacological effects.
See also: 21 best flowers for your garden
FAQs
Can magnolias grow in India?
Magnolias are mostly planted in a few carefully kept gardens throughout India.
Where should magnolia trees be planted?
Magnolias should be planted where there is full sun to slight shade.
Is Magnolia grandiflora toxic to pets?
No, Magnolia grandiflora does not have any known toxic effects.