Magnolia grandiflora Seeds | Southern Magnolia
LATIN NAME: Magnolia grandiflora
COMMON NAME: Southern Magnolia
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a tall, stately, evergreen tree in the magnolia family. Crown holds deep green through the whole year, and the tree stands the heat and the city air well. It likes sun, and deep, moist, well-drained soil. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the magnolia family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Work looks at ancient lineage of family, rusty-felted leaf undersides, and seed biology. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Southern Magnolia brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In warm garden, park and avenue, the southern magnolia chalices the summer branches with the creamy blooms. Perfume fills garden through summer, red seeds feed birds, and timber serves furniture and the joinery. It thrives in deep, moist, well-drained, sunny ground. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Magnolia bark, Hou Po, is a major Chinese herb for moving qi, easing fullness and calming wheeze, and its honokiol and magnolol are among the most studied natural anxiolytic compounds, now appearing in modern supplements and even toothpaste.
Growing from Seed
Starting Southern Magnolia from seed is simple and satisfying. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
Southern Magnolia repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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