Gardening in California 



MAGNOLIA. 



Magnolia stellata. 



A highly ornamental 

 genus of about twenty 

 species of evergreen or de- 

 ciduous trees and shrubs. 

 The evergreen Magnolia 

 grandiflora with its mas- 

 sive leaves and large white 

 fragrant flowers is well 

 adapted for planting either 

 as single specimens on the 

 lawn or in large or small 

 groups. The deciduous 

 species, Magnolia acuminata, is a vigorous-growing lofty tree 

 with spreading branches. Magnolia tripetala is another strong 

 vigorous grower which should be seen more often. Besides those 

 of tree form, many species are low-growing, shrubby and very flor- 

 iferous, some of them blooming in early Spring before they unfold 

 their leaves. These include Magnolia conspicua and its varieties 

 Magnolia soulangiana, Magnolia obovata, Magnolia parviflora 

 and Magnolia stellata. The banana odor of the flower of Magno- 

 lia muscata is so powerful that one or two flowers will perfume a 

 whole house. Magnolias delight in a warm, sheltered situation, 

 a rich sedimentary loam soil and plenty of water during the 

 growing season. If given these conditions they will well repay 

 any care bestowed on them. 



Propagate, about September, by layers or by sowing the 

 seeds, as soon as ripe, one-quarter of an inch deep in pots of 

 sandy leaf-mold under glass. When the young seedlings are 

 three inches high, pot them singly in three-inch pots and shade 

 them for a few days after which they may be given air and full 

 light. 



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