Magnolia

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Magnolia (lat. Magnolia) - a flowering culture belonging to the Magnoliaceae family. In nature, the plant is found in the United States and in some Asian countries. In Russia, it grows on Sakhalin. Currently, there are over 200 species.

Description

Magnolia is represented by deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs, less often trees, the trunks and branches of which are covered with brownish or gray bark, smooth or rough to the touch. The foliage of the culture under consideration is whole, green, leathery, obovate, equipped with stipules.

The flowers are fragrant, large, solitary, depending on the species and variety, they can have a snow-white, creamy or lilac color, have a six-petalled perianth and a three-leafed calyx. Fruits in the form of cone-shaped leaflets containing black seeds.

The subtleties of cultivation

Magnolia is demanding both in terms of location and soil. The plant prefers sunny areas with protection from the winds. Soils for growing magnolias should be light, rich in humus, loose, moist with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. The culture does not tolerate commonwealth with heavy, salty, damp and acidic soils.

Breeding features

Magnolias propagate by seed, cuttings and layering. Propagated by seeds most often. Seeds are sown in the fall in the ground. For the winter, crops are mulched with peat or a thick layer of fallen leaves. Non-resistant varieties are sown in containers and grown at home. Initially, the plants develop very slowly, in the second year the seedlings are picked and grown in boxes. In the third year, the plants are planted in the ground.

Reproduction by cuttings of magnolias is somewhat difficult, since they take root only under a certain microclimate. mode. For the propagation of a culture by layering, a low-growing bush shoot is necessary. It is pinned to the soil with staples, after making an incision in the form of a ring. Rooted cuttings are cut from the mother plant and transplanted to the site where cultivation is planned.

Care

Magnolia is a moisture-loving plant that needs systematic moisture. Plants are good for fertilizing with mineral fertilizers and mulching with peat and compost. It should be remembered that the lack and excess of fertilizers negatively affects the development.

With the onset of cold weather, it is recommended to wrap young magnolias with lutrasil for insulation. Plants at the age of shelter do not require. Sanitary and formative pruning is important for magnolias, the first is aimed at cutting old and dry shoots.

Magnolias are prone to pests and diseases. One of the harmful pests of culture is the spider mite, you can fight it with the help of insecticides. Another most dangerous enemy is mice. Mice can damage the root collar.

Usage

Magnolias are extraordinary and beautiful. They are highly decorative, they are able to decorate any personal plot. Plants are actively used in ornamental gardening. They look great both singly and in groups. Magnolias fit perfectly into compositions with other flowering shrubs. The foliage of plants has found its application in medicine, they are used to create various medicines for heart disease and hypertension.