The sweet smell of Magnolias, a most beautiful spring flower
Few trees say that 'Spring is nearly here' as the showy Magnolias do. This group of fine ornamental small trees put on a display of flowers long before the first leaf buds unfold.
There is a Magnolia for every garden, no matter how small. They are a magnificent treasure heralding the coming of Springtime.
Some points to remember when planting a Magnolia. They ideally prefer a medium, neutral to acidic loamy soil with plenty of organic matter to hold moisture. They prefer sun or partial shade and shelter from strong winds. Avoid planting in the morning sun as flowers and young foliage of the early flowering varieties may be damaged by frost and morning sun combination.
Magnolia Stellata
Magnolia stellata or the star magnolia is well deserving of it's name. This variety is ideal for the smaller garden growing to a tall shrub rather than a tree. The branches can carry hundreds of star like flowers in the early Spring. Why not try Magnolia Stellata "Royal Star". This variety has beautiful pale pink buds opening to glorious white flowers. You could underplant this with vibrant blue muscari which would enhance the white flowers - a real Spring treat.
Magnolia X Soulangeana
This is another beautiful cultivar and one of the most popular. It is a very old hybrid, a cross between m. denudata and m. liliflora made in the 1820's in Europe. Its' gorgeous rounded flowers give it its nickname "cup and saucer'. Why not try Magnolia X Susan which is one of the eight "little girls" variety. The Susan has upright flowers that are reddish purple colour with slightly twisted petals that will smother the stems before the leaves emerge.
Until next time!
Best wishes, Marianne Caplice (Powerscourt Garden Pavilion Wicklow Horticulturalist)
Some points to remember when planting a Magnolia. They ideally prefer a medium, neutral to acidic loamy soil with plenty of organic matter to hold moisture. They prefer sun or partial shade and shelter from strong winds. Avoid planting in the morning sun as flowers and young foliage of the early flowering varieties may be damaged by frost and morning sun combination.
Magnolia Stellata
Magnolia stellata or the star magnolia is well deserving of it's name. This variety is ideal for the smaller garden growing to a tall shrub rather than a tree. The branches can carry hundreds of star like flowers in the early Spring. Why not try Magnolia Stellata "Royal Star". This variety has beautiful pale pink buds opening to glorious white flowers. You could underplant this with vibrant blue muscari which would enhance the white flowers - a real Spring treat.
Magnolia X Soulangeana
This is another beautiful cultivar and one of the most popular. It is a very old hybrid, a cross between m. denudata and m. liliflora made in the 1820's in Europe. Its' gorgeous rounded flowers give it its nickname "cup and saucer'. Why not try Magnolia X Susan which is one of the eight "little girls" variety. The Susan has upright flowers that are reddish purple colour with slightly twisted petals that will smother the stems before the leaves emerge.
Until next time!
Best wishes, Marianne Caplice (Powerscourt Garden Pavilion Wicklow Horticulturalist) 
