Baohua magnolia is a rare deciduous tree known for its early spring blooming, often before the leaves unfurl. Its large, fragrant flowers are standout features, showcasing white to pale pink petals. Found in forested areas, baohua magnolia adapts to its habitat, preferring moist, well-drained soils. This species’ limited distribution and stunning floral display make it a point of interest among plant enthusiasts.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Magnolia zenii, also known as Baohua magnolia, is a species of plant in the family Magnoliaceae. It is endemic to China.
Magnolia zenii was described by botanist Wan-Chun Cheng in 1933.
Listed as “critically endangered,” there were only a few dozen found left of these when the variety was first discovered in China in 1931 according to MEG McCONAHEY writing in THE PRESS DEMOCRAT.
Baohua magnolia emerges as a deciduous small tree with a striking appearance. Characterized by a robust, upright stature, it often reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) when mature.
The stem of baohua magnolia is purple brown to gray with a smooth texture punctuated by distinctive lenticels. Measuring approximately 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter, the stem displays a moderate branching pattern. Noteworthy are its very hairy buds, which contribute to its unique appearance. The thick, robust nature of the stem supports the plant’s overall structure and resilience.
The leaves of baohua magnolia are elliptical in shape, measuring up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. They exhibit a dark green color on the upper surface and a pale green underside. The leaf margins are entire, and the underside features curly hairs along the veins and midrib. The fall brings a yellow-brown coloration. These leaves have a smooth texture and display prominent venation, making them distinctive.
The flowers of baohua magnolia are exquisite and notable for their distinctive appearance. Terminal pink buds open into pristine white blooms, each adorned with nine tepals displaying a striking band of purple-pink along the midrib. These blooms are large, reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in width, and emit a pleasant fragrance. The flowers bloom from February to March, typically appearing before the leaves, making them a prominent feature during the early spring season.
II. How to Grow and Care
Baohua magnolia is known for its ornamental beauty and relative ease of care, thriving in well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Special care points include its preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH soil and protection from strong winds. Regular pruning after flowering maintains its form and encourages healthy growth.
Sunlight
The positioning of your baohua magnolia is also an important consideration. Despite being able to cope with cooler climates, they will prefer a sunny spot in the garden with some partial shade for protection during the summer months.
Temperature
To avoid damaging early flowering buds, keep baohua magnolia in its preferred moderate to warm temperatures. Most varieties can withstand weather conditions in hardiness zones 4-9. Baohua magnolia should only need watering as younger, newly planted trees, or during periods of drought. You can also help your tree retain moisture with a layer of mulch around its base.
Watering
Baohua magnolia should only need watering as younger, newly planted trees, or during periods of drought. If baohua magnolia is planted in the garden, it should be watered immediately after planting, and again when the water has seeped through, and repeated 4-5 times. Water it a second time 3 days after planting and a third time 5 days after planting.
After that, watering can be sparingly done, and established plants can absorb moisture from the soil. Pay close attention to checking if they survive. In the hot seasons, a little water can be used in the morning and evening, while in other seasons it is not necessary.
Soil
Baohua magnolia prefers acidic soils, which is important to consider if you are gardening in alkaline soil such as clay or chalk. Add a layer of peat when planting your baohua magnolia to help raise acidity levels. In areas where soil remains wet, particularly during the winter months, this is no reason to worry: baohua magnolia can happily cope with compact, rich soil.
Fertilizing
Organic fertilizer should be applied to the base of the plant in spring. At this time of year, your baohua magnolia will just be starting to develop leaves and will want extra nitrogen to help with their production. This gives plants the energy to bloom a little later in the season. Therefore, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as dried-blood meal is recommended.
Later in the year, and particularly if your region has had heavy rain over the growing season, baohua magnolia benefits from a lighter feed of fertilizer to help return vital nutrients into the ground. A fertilizer with potassium, such as potash, is suitable at this time of year and can be applied during fall before the tree becomes dormant over the winter.
Planting Instructions
The best time to plant young baohua magnolia is during the spring. Plants should be kept well-watered, and benefit from the addition of organic matter or pre-mixed fertilizer to promote strong, healthy growth. This should be mixed in with the soil around the roots of new plants. Be sure to choose a location with plenty of room for your plant to grow.
Pruning
Baohua magnolia requires little pruning. In fact, pruning can harm the trees or prevent flowering if pruned back too hard. Therefore, a light trim of younger trees during late spring/summer after they have finished blooming is all that is recommended to help shape your plant and to encourage more blooms in the coming years. Remove any damaged branches and ones that are crossing over. You can also trim back any extra-long, leggy shoots. Consider the tree shape when pruning your baohua magnolia, and always aim for a balanced, open structure.
Propagation
Although people typically plant baohua magnolia as a young or established tree, it is also possible to sow them from seed. However, it is hard to buy seeds. If you already have a tree, keep an eye out for the exotic-looking fruits and collect the seed pods during early fall when they are still fresh.
Remove the seeds from the red Magnolia berries and follow these steps to ensure germination:
- Soak the seeds overnight, remove the following day, and rub the outer coating of the seeds off using a coarse cloth.
- Chill the seeds in a refrigerator for up to three months in a pot of moist sand.
- Seeds will then be ready for planting into pots or directly into the ground. Keep them out of direct sunlight and ensure they are well-watered until seedlings emerge. Baohua magnolia can take between 10-15 years to flower for the first time, so growing from seeds is by no means a short term project.
Propagation of baohua magnolia can also be achieved by layering. If you have a deciduous tree, softwood cuttings can be taken during spring/summer. If you have an evergreen tree, it is possible to take cuttings of semi-ripe wood later in the growing year during fall.