Magnolias make their grand display starting in late winter to early spring with their large, flamboyant flowers in shapes of cupped, goblet, chalice, bowl and flute in colours of pink, white, purple or yellow and are amongst the most spectacular of all the flowering trees.
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The modern species originated from China and Japan so they thrive in our cool Tasmanian climate.
These deciduous or evergreen plants range in height from three metres to large trees so choose the variety that suits your space carefully.
For the smaller suburban garden compact varieties such as Magnolia stellata ‘Rosea’ with delightful pink flowers would be ideal. Magnolia yunnanensis ‘Scented Pearl’ makes a great espalier specimen or will grow happily in a large pot. The newly released Magnolia grandiflore ‘Teddy Bear’ has bright green foliage and large white blooms suitable to use as a hedging or screen planting.
Named after the French botanist, Pierre Magnol, Magnolias prefer to grow in full sun to light shade in well drained soil that affords protection for their lovely blooms from strong winds and frosts.
They need plenty of moisture during dry weather and appreciate a mulch of aged compost to protect their shallow roots.
Potted plants can be fed in spring and autumn with a fertiliser suitable for camellias and azaleas. Winter this is the most suitable time to plant magnolias, just before spring arrives.
When planted in August they start to grow almost immediately, but they can be planted earlier.
Pruning is necessary only to remove any dead wood or wayward growing branches. Propagation is by cuttings in summer or grafts in winter.
Magnolias are very difficult to transplant, so choose the planting spot carefully.
Hostas and Helleborus with their decorative foliage look great planted underneath these magnificent trees.
Roses
Roses are the jewels of the summer and autumn gardens. What other plant could be a miniature, standard, rambler, climber or shrub in the same plant?
There was a time when I had a real love/hate relationship with roses but as time went by I realized this was only foolishness. Now, I could not imagine a garden without at least one rose growing in it.
The new season’s stock of roses will be in the nurseries soon so take the opportunity to plant one, or more, of these lovely plants – and like me you’ll not be disappointed.
Diary
May 29: The Northern Tasmanian Lilium Society will hold a lilium bulb sale at the Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Varieties available include Asiatics, LA’s, Orientals, Trumpets, Orienpets and Species many of which are not usually available to the general public. Non-lilium bulbs of Belladonnas, Nerines, Crinums will also be for sale. Cash sales only.
June 15: The Launceston Horticultural Society will meet at the Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm. Guest speaker for the evening is Shane Boyce who will speak on the Art of Bonsai. Visitors and new members are most welcome.
June 16: The Launceston Orchid Society will meet at the Newnham Uniting Church Hall, George Town Road, Launceston at 7.00pm. Visitors are most welcome.
July 19: The Australian Plant Society will meet at the Max Fry Hall on Gorge Rd, Trevallyn, Launceston at 7.30pm. Information on the APST can be obtained from its website at www.apstasnorth.org