Origin and Common Names
Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson, also known as Ashe’s magnolia, is a species of magnolia tree native to the southeastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
The tree was named after William Willard Ashe, a botanist and forest conservationist who studied the flora and fauna of the Appalachian Mountains in the early 1900s.
General Appearance
The Ashe’s magnolia is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 90 centimeters.
It has large, elongated leaves that can grow up to 70 centimeters long and 30 centimeters wide, with a velvety brown underside.
The tree produces large, fragrant, white flowers that can measure up to 30 centimeters in diameter, making them the largest of any native plant in North America.
Its fruit is a reddish brown cone-shaped aggregate fruit that can grow up to 20 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide, containing numerous individual seeds.
Uses
The Ashe’s magnolia is primarily used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens due to its large, showy flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
The tree’s wood is dense and strong, making it ideal for furniture and other woodworking projects. The bark and roots of the tree have also been used in traditional herbal medicine by indigenous peoples to treat various ailments.
Light Requirements
Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei generally prefers full sun or part shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as prolifically. It is best to avoid planting in areas that receive less than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the southeastern United States and is accustomed to the hot and humid summers of this region. It is a heat-tolerant plant, but it needs adequate moisture to thrive. It is also cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C).
Soil Requirements
Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei prefers a well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is not particular about soil type, but it does not tolerate soils that are waterlogged. The soil should be rich in organic matter and kept moist during the growing season. Mulching can help retain moisture and regulate temperature and soil acidity.
Cultivation of Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson
Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15-20 meters. It is native to the southeastern United States and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and public spaces.
This plant prefers well-drained and moist soil, and it thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It is also adaptable to various soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils, but it prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
Watering needs of Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson
Proper watering is crucial for the growth and development of Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson. This plant requires frequent and deep watering to keep the soil moist, especially during the hot and dry months. However, it is important not to overwater as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
A good rule of thumb is to water the plant thoroughly once a week and monitor the soil moisture level to determine whether watering is necessary in between.
Fertilization of Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson
Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. The best time to fertilize is in the early spring before new growth begins.
Use a well-balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and follow the instructions on the package for the correct amount to apply. As a general guideline, apply one pound of fertilizer per inch of the trunk diameter.
Pruning of Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson
Pruning is an essential cultivation practice that helps control the size, shape, and health of Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson. It is best to prune during the dormant season, which is in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
The main focus of pruning Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson is to remove any damaged, dead, or diseased branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This pruning technique helps improve air circulation and prevent the spread of diseases.
It is also important to maintain the natural shape of the tree by selectively removing unwanted branches. Avoid topping or shearing as these practices can cause irreparable damage to the tree.
Propagation of Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson
Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson, commonly known as Ashe magnolia, is a deciduous tree indigenous to the southeastern region of the United States. It grows to a height of approximately 10 to 20 meters and has large, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
Propagation Methods
Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei can be propagated by seed or by rooting softwood cuttings.
Propagation by seed: Collect the seed pods from the tree in late summer or early autumn. Extract the seeds from the pods and soak them in water for 24 hours. Sow the seeds in a seed tray with a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water thoroughly. Keep the tray in a warm area with partial shade and water it frequently to maintain soil moisture. Germination can take up to 12 months, and seedlings should be transplanted after two years.
Propagation by cuttings: Take softwood cuttings from the current year's growth in mid-summer, when the leaves are still green and pliable. The cuttings should be approximately 10 to 15 cm in length and have at least three sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Stick the cuttings in a potting soil mix or a container filled with a rooting medium, such as perlite or vermiculite. Water the cuttings well and cover them with a plastic bag to retain moisture and humidity. Place the container in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight. Rooting should occur in six to eight weeks, and the new plants should be transplanted into larger containers or in the ground after one year.
Propagation of Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei can be a slow process, but the resulting plants can be beautiful additions to any landscape.
Disease Management
Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few diseases. The following are some common diseases affecting this plant:
- Leaf spots: Caused by fungi, leaf spots appear as brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of the affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as recommended.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of the affected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply fungicides as recommended.
- Canker diseases: Canker diseases are caused by fungi or bacteria, and they cause lesions or cankers to form on the branches and trunks of the plant. To manage canker diseases, prune and remove affected branches, disinfect pruning tools between cuts, and apply fungicides or bactericides as recommended.
Pest Management
Magnolia macrophylla Michx. var. ashei (Weatherby) D.L. Johnson is also susceptible to a few pests. The following are some common pests affecting this plant:
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, immobile pests that appear as bumps on the stems and leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, remove and dispose of affected plant parts, prune and shape the plant to improve air circulation, and apply insecticides as recommended.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that spin webs on the undersides of the leaves. They can cause discoloration and leaf drop. To manage this pest, remove and dispose of affected plant parts, improve humidity levels around the plant, and apply miticides as recommended.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies, and they can feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, remove and dispose of affected plant parts, handpick the caterpillars if possible, and apply insecticides as recommended.
