If the rose is the undisputed queen of flowers, the magnolia is called the queen of the trees. In my opinion, this title is more than justified as it is truly a spectacular phenomenon in spring and heralds the transition from winter to spring.
Magnolias, originally from China, are ancient cultural symbols in Chinese history. They were already valued as temple trees in the Tang Dynasty. Formerly reserved for the emperor, for the Chinese they symbolize female beauty, purity and sweetness. They came to Japan with Buddhism in the 7th century and quickly found their place in gardens, literature and painting.
The short flowering season of magnolias and the often unpredictable weather of Central Europe definitely challenge the delicacy of their petals, and yet perhaps it is precisely in this transience that their magic lies, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of the moment.
Did you know?
There are around 350 species of magnolias.
They are one of the oldest plant species in the world, their origins going back to the Cretaceous period
The best known among them is certainly the tulip magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana).
The French botanist Plumier discovered the magnolia in the USA when he was researching new plants there on behalf of Louis XIV. He dedicated it to the botanist Pierre Magnol and gave it the name “Magnolia”.
The first magnolia came to France in 1740 through a trader traveling back and forth between Europe and America.
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