In the spotlights
One of the most beautiful flowering trees is the Magnolia. When it blooms, spring is on its way. But the Magnolia is also an impressive appearance as a cut flower. Grower Hans Reijnen told us more about it.
Small piece of land
Hans' father used to have a garden center, two flower shops and a piece of land of about one hectare. Beautiful, exclusive, progressive products were grown on that piece of land. Everything that was not sold in the store was auctioned. Hans was not interested in the stores, but he wanted to continue with that piece of land. Since then, Hans' company has grown to 36 hectares and he grows all kinds of different shrub varieties in different seasons.
Spotlights
One of the most famous Magnolia varieties is the Magnolia "Soulangeana". It is characterized by its huge flowers, which are pink in color in the bud and become lighter as they open. This variety is not only a showpiece in the garden, it is also a fantastic addition to the florist's assortment.
Large, heavy, whimsical branches are a work of art in themselves if they are showcased in a large vase or pot. In a large room, it is a large, sturdy object, but the beautiful flower also gives it a sweet and soft touch.
The smaller branches are a fantastic addition to a beautiful bouquet. Certainly at a large event or wedding, these flowers steal the show.
Care
If it works (most branches are quite thick), it is always better to remove a piece of the stem. The branch must be put on water, but has enough energy in the branch, which means that nutrition is not needed.
Fun facts
• The flower of the Magnolia has an extremely high ornamental value. That is why you often find her in paintings or painted pottery.
• In Japan, the bark of the tree is used in old healing methods claiming it provides extra energy.
• Magnolia is a tree from the magnoliacea family, of which more than 200 varieties of different flowering species are known. Fossils have been found that are more than 20 million years old, which makes them one of the oldest tree species in the world. At that time there were no bees and they were pollinated by beetles.
• Magnolia "Soulangeana" is a cross that was created by the Frenchman Étienne Soulange-Bodin.
• Magnolia is often called tulip tree. This is not correct, the tulip tree is the "Liriodendron tulpifera".
The cultivation
Hans distinguishes himself from other Magnolia growers because he draws the Magnolia branches into bloom at an earlier stage. After cutting, he places the branches in a heated room, so that the branches are drawn into bloom earlier.
The buttons are ready to burst when they are put on the market, making it possible for a florist to immediately start using it with a guarantee that the flowers will actually flower.
Oldest piece of land
The Magnolias grow on the oldest piece of land owned by Hans, the piece that belonged to father Herman. The trees that stand there are more than 30 years old. As a grower, you have to have a lot of patience for growing Magnolia. After planting the shrub it takes at least four to five years before the first branches can be cut. With a strain like Soulangeana, it takes seven to eight years before you have beautiful full branches.
Cultivation risks
Compared to other crops, the Magnolia is very costly. It takes a long time before harvesting can take place and purchasing the plants is not cheap. And after that the grower can only hope that he can grow the crop without further problems. Even Hans has had his share of problems. In January the sap from the tree starts to flow and when a few years ago we were confronted with a considerable frost period late in the winter season, Hans lost part of his precious cultivation. A nightmare for every grower!
Buttons
The branches are selected by counting the number of buds. If there are too few, Hans decides to leave the branch to grow another year. The production of sufficient buds is also strongly influenced by the weather conditions. After the longest day of the year, bud development begins. The most beautiful buds grow when a somewhat darker, slightly colder, rainy period comes after this longest day. This is typical Dutch summer weather! However, the summers have been very hot and dry for the past two years. This influences the bud creation, which means that fewer buds have grown on some of the branches.
The largest branches are on the tree for at least four years before being cut. The thinner branches have grown for two or three years.
Branches that are not pre-drawn often have to stand in the vase for about four weeks before they start to flower. Often the consumer does not know how to handle this, the water becomes turbid, the vessels of the flower close and nothing happens.
Close to nature
Hans grows additional types of shrubs in the seasons that complement the Magnolia; Virburnum, rosehip, magnolia, cherry blossom, skimmia etc.
Hans likes all seasons, he works close to nature. This means that he enjoys going to work every day.
FloraPodium, 9 January 2020
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The nursery
Inspiration
