Anyone using Magnolia?

[drew33998]

Hello, I was nursery crawling today and ran into a tree that I have seen for the past 2 years. Every time I see it I wonder if the leaf size would reduce on the tree. I love the base and the movement and taper in the trunk. Just haven't ever jumped on it because I have never seen anything on magnolia as bonsai. I does look very tempting though. Thoughts?

 

[berobinson82]

https://www.google.com/search?q=mag...UJZfLsASzqIKQCg&ved=0CCoQsAQ&biw=1411&bih=818

 

[coh]

Seems like few work with them, but there have been discussions, such as

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?14073-Magnolia-Jane-Bonsai-Project

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?13814-Star-Magnolia-She-s-Alive!

A club member recently brought one in that he's been working on for about 15 years. It was in full bloom in cascade style, very nice. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera.

I have one potted, variety "Leonard Messel", but it's in the early training stages so I can't say much about leaf size reduction. But everything I've read suggests the leaves don't reduce enough to really be in scale, except on a large plant. As I noted in one of the above threads, I think magnolias are best treated like wisterias - as they are most attractive in winter (branch structure) through blooming, then not so attractive when in leaf.

Chris

 

[drew33998]

Yes, I don't think this tree was a particular cultivar. If it was I wouldn't be able to identify it readily as I'm not on top of my magnolia game. There isn't a price listed so I may ask the old guy what kind of deal he can make me on it. I noticed you said that they are best observed for their branch structure in the winter. Are they purposely defoliated in the winter?

 

[coh]

Most of the magnolias I've seen used for bonsai are the deciduous varieties.

 

[Cadillactaste]

That base if the trunk is simply spectacular! I would definitely pick it up...I am on the lookout for a magnolia myself. Love the blooms...

 

[M. Frary]

I've looked at magnolias a few times too. Even if the leaves reduced down the flowers are too large. For my tastes anyway. Everything should be in proportion. No?

 

[jk_lewis]

Yes, I don't think this tree was a particular cultivar. If it was I wouldn't be able to identify it readily as I'm not on top of my magnolia game. There isn't a price listed so I may ask the old guy what kind of deal he can make me on it. I noticed you said that they are best observed for their branch structure in the winter. Are they purposely defoliated in the winter?

That looks to me like it is a "sweetbay magnolia" (Magnolia virginiana). Its leaves are quite a bit smaller than the "Southern" magnolia, and it is found in your area of Florida. Since it is a large plant, I'd say its leave may be no more "out of proportion" than those of a shohin Japanese maple might be relative to the size of the tree.

The flowers would be worth it.

 

[coh]

I've looked at magnolias a few times too. Even if the leaves reduced down the flowers are too large. For my tastes anyway. Everything should be in proportion. No?

Well, there's the key phrase. I still think it's like having wisteria or azalea bonsai. In both cases, the flowers are really too large to accurately depict a natural tree (unless the bonsai is really large or you have a variety with very small flowers). But they still can produce a beautiful effect. Similarly, many deciduous bonsai have leaves that are too large for the scale to be "right", but they still are beautiful.

As for the original post - that does look like a sweetbay magnolia. I don't think I've seen that one used for bonsai but don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Probably would be evergreen in your area so it would give a different effect than the standard deciduous magnolias.

 

[drew33998]

I've looked at magnolias a few times too. Even if the leaves reduced down the flowers are too large. For my tastes anyway. Everything should be in proportion. No?

That is what I am thinking. But hey if I can get a steal on it, I might just give it a go.

 

[drew33998]

Well, there's the key phrase. I still think it's like having wisteria or azalea bonsai. In both cases, the flowers are really too large to accurately depict a natural tree (unless the bonsai is really large or you have a variety with very small flowers). But they still can produce a beautiful effect. Similarly, many deciduous bonsai have leaves that are too large for the scale to be "right", but they still are beautiful.

As for the original post - that does look like a sweetbay magnolia. I don't think I've seen that one used for bonsai but don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Probably would be evergreen in your area so it would give a different effect than the standard deciduous magnolias.

There is one thing you would be able to say about it. It would definitely be different. Whether a interesting different or an ugly one would be the question. I'm going to go talk to him next time I'm in the area and see if I can't get it for a good deal. Like less than $60 type of deal.

 

[Cadillactaste]

When you think of ones showing this while in bloom...and tucking them away at a later date toward the back of their trees. I see no problem with it...as with wisteria...if you admire the bloom and it's in your backyard...and your happy with it. Go for it! Like I said...I keep looking at magnolias...nothing even close to a base like that in the ones I've looked at.