Facts About Magnolia Kobus
Magnolia kobus, most commonly called simply the Magnolia, is often associated with the southern states, and many assume that is the only region in which it will grow. Magnolia kobus however is hardy to Zone 4 so can be grown most areas of the United States where winters are not overly severe. For example, the Magnolia can be grown in the southern counties of Minnesota, though not in the northern part of the state.
Magnolia kobus is particularly known for its early spring blooms. A deciduous tree, Magnolia kobus grows to around 40 feet in height, although other species, grown in northern gardens, are more shrub-like in appearance, and seldom reach a height of more than 10 feet. A Magnolia in bloom is a beautiful sight indeed, although the tree is attractive throughout the growing season. The Magnolia kobus blossoms are white and star-like in shape, featuring long petals. The blossoms, if spread flat, can often reach 6 inches in diameter. Besides the lovely appearance, Magnolia blossoms are also noted for their pleasant fragrance.
A Low Maintenance Plant - Insofar as care of the Magnolia tree is concerned it is generally considered to be a low maintenance plant. A later than normal frost can sometimes damage the buds before blossoming takes place, and someone with a Magnolia shrub in a more northern region may need to take precautions. In the south, where the larger Magnolia species grow, a late frost is seldom a concern.
While it is generally advised that Magnolia trees be purchased as young plants in pots, the tree can be started either from seed or from softwood cuttings. Young plants are generally preferred over seed though as when planted from seed it may take many years for the Magnolia to bloom, perhaps as many as twenty. The growing trees take well to pruning, but should be pruned in the winter when the trees are dormant to keep them from bleeding excessive amounts of sap.
Planting Magnolias - Some care has to be taken when transplanting young trees from pots as the Magnolia does not take well to root disturbance, and for that reason is never sold bare root or with the root ball wrapped in burlap. When planting a Magnolia kobus, try to avoid a location where wind could cause the plant to dry out. A sunny location is best although the plant will tolerate light shade. It must be kept adequately watered, especially during dry periods, or the plant may wilt. With the exception of the Magnolia not doing well in a highly alkaline soil, the plant is not overly choosy about the soil it's placed in. As far as feeding the Magnolia is concerned, and annual feeding with a slow release fertilizer having equal N-P-K numbers is best.
The Magnolia kobus makes an especially attractive specimen tree, but when grown as a shrub is a useful patio or accent plant as well. Many growers like to remove the lower branches, which grow quite close to the ground, to show off the trunk, rather than having a plant which more closely resembles a large bush. The Magnolia is often selectively pruned to best show off its shape and pattern of branches in the winter after the leaves have fallen.
Magnolia trees are generally available in nurseries, though not all species can be found in all areas. The fact that they cannot be shipped bare root or with wrapped root balls can at times make finding a particular species a bit of a challenge. To get blossoms as early as possible, it's advisable to purchase the largest plant that can easily be handled. Potted plants don't take twenty years to produce the first blossoms, but if the plant is small, it may take several.