Magnolia
macrophylla, commonly called bigleaf magnolia, is noted for its huge
oblong-obovate leaves (to 30 inches long) which are the largest simple leaves
of any tree indigenous to North America. Leaves are green above and
silvery-gray below. This unusual tree is rarely found in the wild, being
limited mainly to a few rich wooded areas in river valleys and ravines in the
southeastern United States. It is a pyramidal tree that develops a spreading
rounded crown with age, typically growing 30-40’ tall. Fragrant, open,
cup-shaped flowers to 8-10” (less frequently to 12”) wide bloom in May. Flowers
are white with rose-purple at the petal bases. Although quite large, the
flowers are often located far off the ground and are not always easy to see
close up. Flowers give way to spherical cone-like fruits which mature to red in
late summer, releasing individual red coated seeds suspended on slender threads
at maturity. Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full
sun to part shade. Hardy in zones 5-8.
Growing
Instructions for the Bigleaf Magnolia
The seeds have
a period of dormancy and need to be cold stratified to break their dormancy.
The seeds are stored in a refrigerator so they have already been stratified.
The seeds need to be planted when received or stored in a refrigerator until
they are planted. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. 2.
Soak the seed in water for several hours. 3. Fill a pot with potting soil. Use
a pot that has drainage holes in the base. 4. Sow the seeds on the soil and
cover them with a thin layer of soil. 5. Water the container and leave it to
drain. 6. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 7. Water the pot regularly so that
the soil is moist but not wet. 8. The seedlings can be transplanted when they
are a few inches tall.
Kaden Arabic (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Avery (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Patrick (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Ryder (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Hayden (verified owner) –
Good quality.