Common name:
Southern magnolia

Origin:
United States

Minimum temperature:
-20 degrees Celsius

Description:
This magnolia makes huge, creamy-white flowers of 30 big, and is fully hardy. The plant origins from the southeast of the United states, where the tree grows in the forest up to 30 meters high. There is even an example of a tree that has grown 37,5 meters high. In climates like the Netherlands, the tree will not grow higher than 10 meter. The flowers are botanically primitive, and disperse a delicious smell to attract beetles and other insects. A sunny spot is best for this tree.

Germination instructions:
Let the seeds soak for 24 hours in lukewarm water, and then sow them in a sowing mixture. After sowing, put the pot in the fridge for over 8 weeks. The soil should stay moist during this period, so cover the pot in plastic foil. After the period of 8 weeks, let the seeds germinate at 20-15 degC.

Sowing time:
December - june

Level of difficulty:
Intermediate

Photos: Kenpei (CCA-3.0 Wikipedia)