The drama of lichen-covered branches is changed a bit when they're photographed with a flash at night. Here are some spotted at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
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In fall the blooms are followed by typical but interesting Magnolia cone-like structures. For an interesting blurb about the primitive magnolia family, click here.
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So, fairly low maintenance, slow growing, beautiful foliage perfect for holiday decorating, enticingly fragrant flowers, interesting fruiting structure...What more could you ask for in a tree? I'm thinking that it's time for me to add one of these to my garden. The slow-growing part is attractive because I'll be dead by the time the tree has become big enough to be a problem. On the other hand, there are some smaller cultivars which might make more sense to select for my urban space.
For those of you in the south, is it o.k. for a Yankee to grow this? I've heard that you're still sore over that "War of Northern Aggression" (1861 - 1865) and I don't want to go rubbing salt on any wounds.
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The tree almost appears to be covered with snow.
Looking up at another location, I saw a lovely specimen of my favorite plant...this week, a cultivar of Magnolia grandiflora (could be 'D. D. Blanchard' or one similar.) I love the glossy, leathery evergreen leaves with the cinnamon colored indumentum.
In spring and summer, the tree has beautiful fragrant white blossoms. Unlike most of the deciduous magnolias which cover themselves with bloom for a shorter period of time, this southern lady (the tree is also known as Southern Magnolia) puts forth a few blooms at a time over the entire growing season. Often thought of as a symbol of the southern states of the U.S. as it is native to that part of the country and a a prominent feature in their landscapes. I understand that one needn't have a veranda nor sip mint juleps to enjoy this tree. It may help to watch this video though.
In fall the blooms are followed by typical but interesting Magnolia cone-like structures. For an interesting blurb about the primitive magnolia family, click here.
So, fairly low maintenance, slow growing, beautiful foliage perfect for holiday decorating, enticingly fragrant flowers, interesting fruiting structure...What more could you ask for in a tree? I'm thinking that it's time for me to add one of these to my garden. The slow-growing part is attractive because I'll be dead by the time the tree has become big enough to be a problem. On the other hand, there are some smaller cultivars which might make more sense to select for my urban space.
For those of you in the south, is it o.k. for a Yankee to grow this? I've heard that you're still sore over that "War of Northern Aggression" (1861 - 1865) and I don't want to go rubbing salt on any wounds.
Joining with Loree at Danger garden in posting a favorite plant...this week.