Magnolia grandiflora Seeds | Southern Magnolia
LATIN NAME: Magnolia grandiflora
COMMON NAME: Southern Magnolia
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Southern Magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora is an evergreen tree. The southern magnolia is the grand, evergreen tree of the warm south, with the huge, white, fragrant flowers. Tree has been planted and prized across warm regions for flowers and fine, bold foliage. It is a tree of deep, rich, well-drained ground and open, sunny spot. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers freely through the season. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the Magnolia group regularly include Magnolia grandiflora in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. The southern magnolia has carved a quiet but solid place in the plant science, and the tree has been studied for the huge, creamy-white, fragrant flowers and the large, glossy leaves. Because it has been grown for so long, its garden habits are thoroughly documented.
Uses & Benefits
Southern Magnolia works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. The southern magnolia does a lot of work in the garden and the wider world. Dense, evergreen tree is a fine, bold presence in park, avenue and large garden, and fine timber has its own record of use. The southern magnolia is one of the grand trees of the warm south, and the huge, creamy-white, fragrant flowers are one of the great sights of the warm summer. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
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
Raising Southern Magnolia from seed is straightforward. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. A cool, moist period before sowing helps the seeds wake evenly — a few weeks in damp medium in the refrigerator is the usual approach. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Southern Magnolia settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Being an evergreen tree, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Young plants want steady water; older plants take conditions as they come.
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