Magnolia Seeds | Magnoliaceae Tree
LATIN NAME: Magnolia
COMMON NAME: Magnolia
Plant Profile
Magnolia, better known as Magnolia, is a tree in the magnolia family. Magnolia cups wide, creamy petals high in bare branches, the whole tree standing in the soft, candle-lit look of the early spring garden. It is a tree of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained ground. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. All of this makes Magnolia a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
Magnolia sits in the magnolia family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
Magnolia brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Magnolia is a stately, useful tree of early spring garden and study collection. It is a stately, useful tree of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained garden. Magnolia seeds start well in a deep, leafy mix kept moist in a bright, cool spot. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
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
Sow fresh seed of Magnolia under ordinary good conditions. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Given the right start, Magnolia is a long-term garden companion. Among the Magnolia group, it is one of the more distinctive species in cultivation. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
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