Magnolia grandiflora ( Southern Magnolia ) is a medium-sized tree that is native to the south east of the United States. Southern Magnolia is renowned for its large white flowers and beautiful evergreen foliage. From late Spring to the early Autumn, the trees are covered in fragrant flowers stretching up to 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. The timber is also highly sought after for its hard and heavy properties.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Also commonly known as the Bull Bay and Large Flowered Magnolia.
Growth
Magnolia grandiflora is an evergreen tree that reaches heights of up to 15 metres (50 feet) and rarely up to 27 metres (90 feet). The Southern Magnolia enjoys sub-tropical climates in their native range from North Carolina to Florida in the United States. This would roughly translate to coastal regions of New South Wales from as far south as Sydney to around Townsville in Queensland.
Southern Magnolias have moderately stout twigs that with brown wooly hairs. The large leaves, simple and alternate are shaped oval to elliptical and can reach 20 cm (8 inches) long. They are very thick and leathery, without teeth and have a shiny surface. The leaves can persist on the tree for about two years.
From late Spring mature trees produce large white flowers that persist until the Autumn. This species has the largest flower of the Magnolias stretching up to a huge 20 cm (8 inches).
FAMILY:
Magnoliaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub-Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5°C to 40°C / 23 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining, moist nutritious soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 metres (95 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 metres (33 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Beetles.
MATURITY:
5-7 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
35-55%
GERMINATION TIME:
8 weeks cold stratification + 4-6 weeks germination
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3-4
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 1 year.
FACTS ABOUT MAGNOLIA GRANDIFLORA (Southern Magnolia)
An iconic Southern Magnolia was planted by President Andrew Jackson nearly 200 years ago and was the oldest tree on the White House grounds. For decades it was on the back of the $20 bill as part of the South Front.
Southern Magnolias produce seeds by 10 years of age, although peak seed production is closer to 25 years of age.
