Magnolia

Magnolia species

Trees and Shrubs, Bonsai

Easiest sown in fall when seed is ripe, after removing the fleshy outer coat. Otherwise, stratify in fridge 4 months, then grow at 50F/10C. Sow just covered onto well-draining soil, light needed to germinate. Germination erratic. Named varieties will not grow true from seed. Keep in good indirect light but out of full sun, the first year; full sun appreciated in subsequent years. Moist, acidic, fertile soil ideal; water purchased plants regularly until established. Zone 4-9

If transplanted, do so while the plant is actively growing or flowering, as Magnolias recover quickest from the stress at this time. Ring-bark air layering is slow though most species air or simple layer well. Side-veneer grafting may be used. Magnolia grandiflora also grown from semi-hardwood cuttings. Used for bonsai

Magnolia grandiflora, the Southern magnolia, hardy zones 6-9; Magnolia stellata, or the star magnolia, and Magnolia kobus are hardy into zone 4