Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay, Large-flowered Magnolia, Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Family: Magnoliaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Pyramidal.
Magnolia grandiflora is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Hammocks, sand dunes, buffs and sandy bottoms. Rich moist soils. Always found in lowland areas, never above 105 metres altitude
South-eastern N. America - North Carolina to Florida and Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The flowers are pickled in some parts of England and are considered to have an exquisite flavour. They are also said to be used as a spice and a condiment.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The bark is diaphoretic, stimulant, tonic. It is used in the treatment of malaria and rheumatism. A decoction has been used as a wash and a bath for prickly heat itching. The decoction has also been used as a wash for sores and as a steam bath for treating dropsy. An alcoholic extract of the plant reduces the blood pressure, produces a slight acceleration in respiration but has no action on the heart.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating: 3
A fairly wind-tolerant tree, it can be used in shelterbelt plantings. An essential oil is obtained from the flowers. Wood - hard and fairly heavy, but weak and not durable. White when first cut, it turns brown on exposure to air. It is used in limited amounts for fuel, baskets, crates, woodenware and furniture.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Shelterbelt: Wind resistant plants than can be grown to provide shelter in the garden etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Espalier: A tree or other plant that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall).
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Espalier, Firewood, Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible, Screen, Seashore, Specimen, Street tree. Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture. Tolerates moderately limey soils so long as they are deep and rich in humus. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required. Another part of the same book says that this species is fairly wind-resistant. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. Plants are hardy to about -10°c. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring. A very ornamental plant, a number of named forms have been developed. The flowers are very large (up to 25cm across) and have a delicious and very powerful scent. This is perhaps the most strongly scented flower in the world. They can be produced in trees as young as 10 years old. The form 'Exmouth Variety' (also known as elliptica) produces its flowers when younger than the species, these flowers have a refreshing lemon scent. There is no main flush of flowering, instead the flowers open intermittently throughout the summer. Plants do not normally need pruning, any cutting out of dead wood etc is best carried out in July. Special Features: Attracts birds, Attractive foliage, North American native, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cold over the winter and should be sown in late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the spring but it can take 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. They can be planted out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall, though should be well mulched and given some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Layering in early spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 6-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
M. foetida. M. virginiana foetida.