Magnolia flowers are large, fragrant and therefore very popular in gardening. In addition, the tree produces them in large numbers, to the point that the branches are almost completely hidden. It is therefore not surprising that it is a type of plant that is cultivated whenever possible.
So it would be good to ask when the magnolia blooms, because depending on the temperatures in your area, it may take more or less; have a shorter or longer bloom; or even produce just a few flowers, or many.
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When is the flowering period of the magnolia?
There are about 120 species of magnolia, which live in temperate regions of Asia and America. One of those that is most southerly, and therefore one of those that tolerate the best heat, is the magnolia grandiflora, native to the southeastern United States. This species is sometimes planted in tropical and subtropical climates, even in the Mediterranean when the soil allows it.
But there are many others that do not tolerate high temperatures and therefore only bloom when the temperatures do not reach the extremes. But even the most heat-resistant variety can have a shorter flowering period if not sufficiently adapted.
In any case, you should know that a healthy magnolia and the conditions are favorable for it, will bloom between spring and summer. Regardless of the species, your flowers will bloom during one or both of these seasons.
Factors that can influence flowering
It is important to keep in mind that there are things that can delay, shorten, or even prevent magnolia or magnolia flowering. It is a tree, a living being, and as such it is exposed to a series of external agents that can harm it, such as these:
- Spring or summer too hot: it would be advisable not to exceed a maximum temperature of 30ºC, especially if the magnolia is deciduous, since deciduous species prefer temperate but cool climates. For this reason, if, for example, in summer the temperatures remain between 20 and 35 ºC, it is very likely that it will not flower or produce very few flowers of poor quality (i.e. say that they will not be open to everyone). , or the petals dry faster than normal).
- spring with frost: although they are plants capable of withstanding cold and also frost, if temperatures drop below 0 degrees when spring has already begun to be felt (due to the gradual increase in temperatures , increased hours of sunshine and flowering of other plants), the magnolia may delay its flowering if it has not yet started, or its flowers may abort and fall off if covered in snow.
- Lack of water, drought: no magnolia tolerates long periods of drought. For this reason, we only find adult and healthy specimens in places where, in addition to a temperate climate, they can enjoy abundant rains distributed throughout the year. In cultivation, if it does not rain much, we will have to water it frequently; otherwise it will be very difficult not to flourish, but to stay alive.
- The land is not suitable: Magnolias grow in soils with a low pH, i.e. acidic, between 4 and 6. In addition, these are light and fertile, so they contain enough organic matter for the roots to absorb nutrients and, thus, keeping the tree well nourished But not only that, but they also have good drainage, so when it rains the water is absorbed at a good rate, without puddles forming (and even if they did , they would be absorbed quickly). For this reason, they will not be able to thrive in clay, compact or heavy soils.
How long does magnolia blossom last?
Besides the factors we have discussed, it is also worth keeping in mind the life expectancy of magnolia flowers, as it is very short. Although the plant is very healthy, it will be difficult for the flowers to remain open for more than two or three days.
But you don’t have to worry about that, because if you’re lucky, she’ll produce plenty throughout the flowering season. Thus, even if a flower closes and its petals fall, others will soon appear.
How long does it take to open?
Much depends on the conditions, but from the time the bud appears and begins to form until it finally opens, about a week passes. You have to be a little patient with that.
How to make the magnolia flower?
For him to flourish, the first thing to do is to know what his basic needs are:
- Shade or partial shade if you are in the Mediterranean; sun if the weather is warmer and cooler.
- acid earth. If it is potted, you must plant it in a pot with a specific substrate for acid plants (on sale here), or with coconut fiber (on sale here).
- must receive water frequently and regularly. It does not tolerate drought.
If all this is done, then to help it prosper, we will only have one thing left to do: pay it. For this we can use fertilizers for acid plants (on sale here) or for flowering plants (on sale here), or take advantage and fertilize with an organic fertilizer very rich in nutrients, such as guano that you can buy here.
With all these tips we have given you, we hope that your magnolia will soon be able to bloom.