NORTHERN MAGNOLIA Virginiana
Magnolia virginiana is an evergreen or deciduous tree to 30 m (100 ft) tall, native to the United States, from Florida to Long Island, New York. Whether it is deciduous or evergreen depends on climate; it is evergreen in areas with milder winters in the south of its range (zone 7 southward), and is semi-evergreen or deciduous further north. The leaves are 6–12 cm long, and 3–5 cm wide. The bark is smooth and gray, with the inner bark mildly scented, the scent reminiscent of the bay laurel spice.
The flowers are creamy white, 8–14 cm diameter, with 6-15 petal-like tepals. The flowers carry a very strong vanilla scent that can sometimes be noticed several hundred yards away.
Magnolia virginiana is often grown as an ornamental tree in gardens, and used in horticultural applications to give an architectural feel to landscape designs. It is an attractive tree for parks and large gardens, grown for its large, conspicuous, scented flowers, for its clean, attractive foliage, and for its fast growth. In warmer areas Magnolia virginiana is valued for its evergreen foliage.
Type: Small tree or large shrub
Height: 30 m (100 ft)
Hardiness zones: 4-8
Location: Sun or part
Seeds per pack: 5
Germination: Soak in water for 24 hours. Plant in a pots with holes at the bottom for drainage. Place the container in a cold area (fridge or similar) 120 days. Alternatively they can be sown outdoors in the fall for spring germination. Sow seed 1/4" deep, and keep continually moist.
