Magnolia tripetala aka Umbrella Magnolia

Taxonomy

Magnolia tripetala, also known as umbrella magnolia or umbrella-tree, is a deciduous tree native to the Appalachian Mountains, the Ozarks, and the Ouachita Mountains in the eastern United States. This tree can reach a height of 10-12 meters, with a trunk diameter of 30-45 centimeters. Its crown has a tent-like shape, sometimes with multiple peaks. The leaves are dark green and leathery, oblong-obovate in shape, measuring 20-60 centimeters long and 20-25 centimeters wide. They are clustered at the ends of the shoots, creating an umbrella-shaped structure. Initially, the shoots are green and then turn brown, sometimes with a waxy, bluish bloom. The bark of older branches and the trunk is light gray and smooth, with small bubble-like beads. The tree produces large, creamy-white flowers with a strong pungent scent. These cup-shaped flowers are 15 centimeters or more in diameter and bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers have 9-12 lobes, with the outer lobes bent downwards and the inner lobes creamy white. The smallest flowers are located in the center. Fruiting occurs in August to September, producing cylindrical or ovoid fruits that are about 7-10 centimeters long and turn bright pink when fully ripe. Overall, Magnolia tripetala is a striking tree with its umbrella-shaped foliage and large, fragrant flowers.

Common names

Umbrella Magnolia, Umbrella Tree, Magnolia Amplissimo Flore Albo Fructu Coccineo

How to care for Umbrella Magnolia

Difficulty

Umbrella Magnolia is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Umbrella Magnolia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Umbrella Magnolia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Umbrella Magnolia prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Umbrella Magnolia is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia