Len Cook planted this magnificent Magnolia more than thirty years ago. Every winter since then, he has enjoyed the classical beauty and subtle, sweet perfume of the glorious, goblet-shaped flowers.
The Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 flowering plant species in the sub-family Magnolioidaceae of the family Magnoliaceae. It was named after the French botanist, Pierre Magnol. It is an ancient genus, appearing before bees did and it is believed the plants evolved to encourage pollination by beetles.
The Magnolia has such an interesting history that it deserves a more detailed article devoted to it. I shall endeavour to do this soon.
Text & Photos by Colwyn Campbell
Yes flowering times of magnolias are variable.
I have 2 of the same species on the 5 acre blocks – a mere 2kms away – that have not even budded up yet!
WOW Lenny, that looks wonderful. Our 4 magnolias in Toowoomba don’t have any buds let alone flowers yet. A friend who lives on the Tablelands has magnolias that are blooming now too. Must be the impact of different climatic conditions.