Magnolia officinalis var. biloba (Houpu Magnolia)


Botanical Information

FamilyMagnoliaceae
GenusMagnolia
Speciesofficinalis
Varietybiloba
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginThe genus Magnolia is named after Pierre Magnol, a French botanist who lived from 1638 to 1715.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5-9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height15 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

CultivationNever let magnolia seed dry out as this kills the embryo. Sow immediately 2 cm deep, keep moist, keep the pot outside to finish the cold stratification cycle of 120 days. Sunlight inhibits germination. Most seed will germinate in May with the remaining the following May. Newly emerging seedlings need indirect light/dappled shade at first then stronger light as they put down a larger root system.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is thick and brown but does not fissure.
Leaf DescriptionLarge obovate leaves with a deep notch at the apex giving the leaves a bi-lobed shape.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are ivory-coloured, 10-15 cm diameter with 9-12 white sepals, and sweetly scented.

Photographs