Magnolia odora Seeds | Odour Magnolia
LATIN NAME: Magnolia odora
COMMON NAME: Odour Magnolia
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Odour Magnolia, Magnolia odora is an evergreen tree in the magnolia family. In humid valleys of far south, odour magnolia grows as an elegant, evergreen tree with large, glossy, leathery leaves and creamy-white, strongly fragrant flowers that open in late summer, their scent carrying across garden in evening air. Plant steadily develops a rounded crown, often reaching 5-10 metres. Plant it in full sun with deep, fertile ground. Mature plants top out at about 5-10 metres. Gardeners value it precisely for this blend of qualities.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the magnolia family, Magnolia odora draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Night-scented magnolia has a real and distinguished place in the research. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Odour Magnolia works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, night-scented magnolia is a generous tree of the garden. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
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
Odour Magnolia is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
As an evergreen tree, it settles into a routine quickly once established. Being an evergreen tree, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Odour Magnolia often pair it with these related subjects: