Magnolias may be considered a southern tree, but they are grown here, too. The magnolia is a lovely small tree, and in the spring the flowers are exquisite. There are many varieties of magnolias, such as the star magnolia, pictured.
The Morton Arboretum has over forty-nine examples of magnolias. Flower colors can range from creamy white to yellow to deep magenta. You can read more about them, here.
star magnolia bloom
It is the flowers that we admire, though they don’t last very long in the midwest. The first strong wind and rain, and the ground is covered with fallen flowers.
But it is not just the flowers that make magnolias beautiful. They are a fine ornamental tree in the summer, too. The leaves are thick glossy green. After blooming in the spring is the best time to prune magnolias, if needed. All summer, new flower buds are forming on the branches, hidden by the leaves.
Now, in November, after the red-brown leaves have fallen, the graceful shape of the magnolia stands out.
In the light, there is a silvery sheen at the ends of the branches–the fuzzy buds of next spring’s leaves and flowers.
And here are more November trees.
Thanks to all who have stopped by, thank you for your time and attention. Thank you so much for reading.
Nicely written "flowery" prose. I have a magnolia on the south side of the house close to the windows. What a gorgeous view in the spring!
Thanks for stopping by, AW. Those magnolia buds took my breath away. What kind of magnolia do you have?
WG, my pleasure. One outside the south windows is a lily magnolia. I also have one in the backyard, a Jane magnolia.
How wonderful they are, AW. Thank you.
Not a Michelle or Lisa magnolia?
This might have happened last year, but is notable enough now.
There are 3 burning bushes outside my window. One is bright red, oe is sort of green red, but the third is still green. This is on Nov. 28.
Greetings, Jack. Yes, it does seem the colors are off this year. Some trees are still mostly green! The unusually mild fall (and frost-free nights) may have a lot to do with it...