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Plough
Field Allotments at Amerton
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Tips
By Mrs FM
Hartley.
Unusual
& Old
Fashioned Fruit
Trees.
Unusual
Vegetables,
Herbs & Other
Edible Plants.
Environmental
Issues And Going Green.
Vines
And Other Climbing Plants.
Fish
Ponds
Books
By
Alan J Hartley
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Tree Project.
Magnolia.
It is thought that
Magnolias are one of the earliest recorded flowering plants that can be
traced back over 100 million years by the use of fossils. It is believed
that Magnolias were a part of the Landscape even before bees existed to
pollinate them, so they developed in a way that they could be pollinated
by beetles. Beetles had no interest in the Nectar that modern flowers
have, so the plants evolved to make large quantities of Pollen that the
Beetles could use for food.
Magnolias are Native to East Asia and are slow growing taking some 20 -
50 years to reach their full height. Nearly all are deciduous with over
200 varieties in existence, and there are only 2 species of evergreen
Magnolias.
Magnolias have quite a broad canopy and some varieties can get very big
reaching between 60 to 80 feet tall within their 80 to 120 years
lifespan. However, there are many smaller varieties that are eminently
suitable for a small garden and although they do prefer sheltered
conditions and slightly acidic, or ericaceous soil and they are tolerant
of wet soil. Soulangeana, or the “Saucer Magnolia,” also known as
“Chinese Magnolia,” ultimately reaches some 6m and Magnolia Stellata is
another smaller variety that is also one of the most popular types here
in the UK. Furthermore, it is one of hardiest as they can need a little
protection in really cold winters.
Magnolias are well known for their spectacular, Tulip shaped flowers
that are bisexual and come in a range of colours from Whites and Yellows
through to Pinks and Purples.
As lovely and popular as Magnolias are, they do have some problems as
they are susceptible to several pests and diseases including canker,
dieback, powdery mildew, fungal spots, snails, weevils, scale insects,
plant-hoppers, and thrips.
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