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Say 'Magnolia' and the first picture
that comes to mind are deciduous trees with pink
blossoms. There is much more to the magnolia than
meets the eye, says Sean Hogan, magnolia loyalist.
Not only are there more colors than pink, even
the leaf textures vary.
The michelia, magnolia's
cousin, produces more flowers comparatively. Magnolias
have one bloom at the tip of every branch whereas
Michelias bloom all along the stem. When the last
petal drops off a magnolia, michelia is still
in bloom and has a longer flowering season. Magnolias
also prefer warmer climates and don't do well
in frost. For climatic extremes, michelia is by
far the better choice. They are hardy at temperatures
as low as below 10 degrees. You also get a choice
in terms of color with michelia, i.e., white,
pink, red, even burgundy.
However, if the magnolia is where your heart is,
then consult your local nursery to find out the
varieties available. They'll be able to advise
you on what trees and shrubs will do well in your
region. The hardiest varieties are the Magnolia
stellata and Magnolia clovis.
Magnolias prefer moist, well-drained soil that
is a little acidic. While replanting, take care
not to disturb the roots. They tend to shed leaves
if the roots get damaged. Before frost, move your
magnolia pots or containers to the garage or the
basement.
Magnolias usually are pest and disease resistant.
But they are finicky about less water. They need
lots of water, so take care to water your magnolias
regularly. Since they aren't nectar-producing
plants, pollination is usually by an insect like
beetle and not air-borne by bees or butterflies.
If you like artciles
about trees & shrubs....These pages might
also interest you:
Guide
to Conifers & Evergreens, How
to Prune Shrubs, Gardening
With Viburnum, Gingko
Trees, Growing
Magnolias, Japanese
Barbury, Katsura
Trees,Shrubs
as Garden Borders,The
Weeping Atlas Tree, Tough
Trees, Great
Birch Trees, Growing
Citrus Trees, How
to Prune Shrubs,How
to Start Seedlings, Lustrous
Abelia, Popular
Shrubs, Shrub
Winter Care Guide, Shrubs
With Berries, Summer
Hydrangeas
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