Magnolias are among the most beautiful trees and shrubs for the garden. They fit into formal and informal plantings and dominate their surroundings when in flower.
Diversity and delicacy of color, range of flowering seasons and adaptability to landscaping arrangements for gardens and lawns have made magnolias a gardening favorite across the country.
There are 35 American and Asiatic species as well as many hybrids of the magnolia, a tree named in honor of Pierre Magnol, aneminet seventeenth-century French botanist.
The Chinese magnolias bloom before the leaves appear, and the flowers show to great advantage if given a background of evergreen trees. They are not difficult to grow, or propagate pruned branches, but prefer a sunny location, and like a rich, deep, sandy loam with plenty of humus to hold moisture around the roots. The roots must not be water-logged, and good drainage is essential to carry off any excess moisture. During the active growing season in spring, Water them once a week if the weather is hot.
Magnolias rarely require pruning, but if it is necessary at any time, prune immediately after the shrubs have finished flowering. Buds are usually formed for next year’s flowering by July, and cutting of the branches must not be done after this date.
Care To Plant 