Timber Press in 2000 opened my eyes to the many species of Magnolias available to us today. I was pleased to learn that a few are even hardy up here in the cold north. Now, let's take a look at the organization of this book." />

Magnolias


Magnolia trees remind me of my year teaching in Texas. Unfortunately, 30 years ago, I didn't have the interest in horticulture that I do now! How I wish I had taken time to study the plants, shrubs and trees.

Jim Gardiner, author of A Gardener's Guide to Magnolias published by Timber Press in 2000 opened my eyes to the many species of Magnolias available to us today. I was pleased to learn that a few are even hardy up here in the cold north. Now, let's take a look at the organization of this book.

The Magnolia name comes from Pierre Magnol, a French physician and botanist. According to Chapter 1, this plant genus is one of 6 genera from the Magnoliaceae family. The familiar "tulip" tree is also in this family. Magnolias are found in the Eastern United States, throughout Mexico, Central America, the Northern portion of South America, and in Tropical Asia. Chapter one presents a complete description of a "magnolia" with a brief discussion of medical uses of the tree.

The next chapter explains how to successfully cultivate Magnolia trees. I was pleased that this book spent as much time talking about Magnolias in America as it did cultivating these trees in Europe. South Korea, China and New Zealand are also included in the discussion of where Magnolias are being cultivated today. A good explanation of the North American Cold Hardiness Zones (USDA) and the American Horticulture Society Plant Heat-Zone maps is presented. Gardeners will be more successful in selecting appropriate Magnolia species or cultivars if they study these charts first.

Magnolias in the Garden, Chapter 3, discusses all pertinent details to using Magnolias. The author discusses Magnolias as a lawn species, in containers, and mixed perennial/shrub borders. He discusses selecting the appropriate tree for your situation. Then, goes on to talk about soil, ph, planting, mulching, fertilizing and pruning Magnolia trees.

Are you one of those lucky gardeners who already have a Magnolia tree you love? If so, Chapter 4 will teach you everything needed to successfully propagate some new trees from the one you already have. Gardiner presents clear instructions on growing Magnolias from seed, cuttings, and various grafting methods. His illustrations let even an amateur gardener understand the written instructions.

I wish plant books could leave out the subject of Chapter 5 - Pests and Diseases. Unfortunately, there are few plants, shrubs or trees that truly lack insect pests or disease problems. Magnolias are no exception. Read this chapter to learn how to minimize these potential problems.

The copyright of the article Magnolias in Gardening Techniques is owned by Diana Pederson. Permission to republish Magnolias in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic