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Magnolia macrophylla-a real beauty

Posted by maspirasjr zones 5/8 (My Page) on
Sat, May 1, 04 at 19:35

Hi folks,

Have you heard of this beauty? This could prove very attractive to those of us in zones 7-8 who aspire for the quintessential tropical look!! Check out the size of those humongous leaves and blooms.

Magnolia macrophylla

Marcelo


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Magnolia macrophylla-a real beauty

Hey Marcelo,

My mag macro is tiny, around 18" tall. I got it from Woodlanders last fall. I didn't bother testing the hardiness, which shouldn't be a problem. Its leaves are already bigger than the 12' grandiflora's leaves right next to it. Much thinner, though, as you would expect. I think the leaves only came out a couple weeks ago or so. Some of the leaves on mine have a very unmagnolia appearance, almost as if impossibly crossed with a fig. Too early to tell what that means. It's a good thing I didn't plant it. I'm moving to Hmpton Roads this month.


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RE: Magnolia macrophylla-a real beauty

Magnolia macrophylla is a wonderfully odd tree, and one of the most tropical-looking hardy trees you can grow. They should be hardy at least to zone 6 (there is a tree at Cornell University, I believe zone 5, that has survived for several years). If I had room in my yard, I would plant one. I may plant one anyway...


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RE: Magnolia macrophylla-a real beauty

Johnnie
They really don't take up much space as they seem to grow fairly vertical with open branching. They are slow growers though, and the bugs at my place like to dine on the leaves. :-(


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RE: Magnolia macrophylla-a real beauty

You would have to have it planted in a fairly wind-protected spot to keep the leaves entire as shown in the photo. It is common to see them with wind-tattered leaves. It's a plant to be disguised in the fall when it gets quite ugly. I much prefer Magnolia delavayi, where hardy.


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RE: Magnolia macrophylla-a real beauty

I got mine from Woodlanders about 14 years ago,and it's now about 18 feet tall.The flowers have an almost intoxicating "bubble gum" fragrance,but like most magnolias they only last a day or so.
It seems to be perfectly hardy here in NE Ohio,and is actually native to one or two counties in southern Ohio.


 
 

 

 


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