More about Magnolias and Michelias
Magnolias are generally suited to temperate climates. In Queensland, residents of elevated areas like Toowoomba or Tamborine Mountain are going to have the best chance of success with magnolias, particularly the deciduous species.
A few magnolias can be grown in warmer regions, notably cultivars of M. grandiflora ('Little Gem' is a very popular cultivar), and members of the former genus Michelia.
Note that Michelia and several other closely related genera have recently been incorporated with the Magnolia.
Classification of Magnoliaceae
Genera of Magnoliaceae Germplasm Resources Information Network, USDA
However, you'll probably see them for sale under the old names for a time, in addition to older texts (and links).
News item: Magnolia species face uncerain future in the wild
The Red List of the Magnoliaceae released in April 2007 suggests that over half of the world's known Magnolia species face extinction in the wild. Information in the report will be useful in planning conservation efforts in the wild and in botanic gardens' living collections. Read more here: Magnolias - Bloom and Doom? (Brooklyn Botanic Garden)
Some species and cultivars you might find on the market in Queensland, plus links to more information:
Magnolia grandiflora
Magnolia delavayii
Magnolia x soulangeana
This hybrid magnolia is a very popular worldwide. There are many cultivars.
Magnolia lilliflora
Best known by the above name, although now also known as Magnolia quinquepeta. A cultivar is 'Nigra'.
Magnolia sprengeri
'Diva' is a cultivar.
Various
Magnolia x 'Elizabeth'
Magnolia x 'Caerhays Belle'
The Michelias
The (former) Michelias offer a wider choice for the tropics and subtropics than the "classic" magnolias. While the flowers may not be as impressive visually, the Michelias are notable for their fragrance.
Magnolia figo (Michelia figo)
Commonly known as the "Port Wine Magnolia", this is the Michelia most familiar to Queenslanders.
Synonyms: Magnolia fuscata or Michelia fuscata
Links
Michelia figo Part of "Homepage Ton Hannink", Netherlands (in Dutch)
Michelia figo Landscape Plant Propagation Information, University of Florida
Magnolia champaca (Michelia champaca)
This tree is popular in tropical regions of the world.
Links
Champa Magnolia champaca. Flowers of India
Michelia yunnanensis (Magnolia dianica)
Links
Magnolia dianica 'Michelle' - Magnoliaceae Notes on the origin and qualities of this cultivar of what was previously
Michelia yunnanensis. In: Friends of the Arboretum Newsletter, Fall 2006 - Volume 10, Number 2. JC Raulston Arboretum, NC State University
Some other species and cultivars you might see on the market (it's hoped to have more information about these for you in future updates):
Michelia alba
Michelia doltstopa
Michelia doltsopa 'Silver Cloud'
More Links
The following are for general information, research and ideas - some species or cultivars referred to in links may be unavailable in Australia or unsuitable for Queensland conditions
Evergreen Magnolias in:
The Trillium, Piedmont Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society newsletter. Includes discussion about selecting cold-tolerant cultivars
