Magnolias and Michelias

In fact, says magnolia enthusiast Sean Hogan, many of the less commonly planted, yet equally fetching varieties--offer bang beyond the bloom.

"There are dozens and dozens of different types so you've got all kinds of flower colors, but you've got all kinds of leaf textures also so they're not just interesting for a month in the spring."

The michelia may or may not be a magnolia, but it's at least a close relative. And there's no debate about the botanical difference--michelias produce lots more flowers.

"Unlike magnolias, where you just get one bud at the very end of the branch (figure A), michelias bloom all along last season's growth (figure B) so you get a much longer flowering season."

There are other differences as well. Many magnolia varieties do well in warmer climates where late frosts can't decimate the blooms. For climatically marginal areas, michelias may offer a beautiful solution.

Planted or potted, magnolias like moist, fairly well-drained soil that's slightly acidic. If you're repotting one, try not to rough up the roots as you replant. Minimize root distrubance for all magnolia trees and shrubs. They're finicky about having their fibrous roots damaged and often react to changes by shedding leaves.

Containers allow mobility, so if you expect a hard freeze, move the trees to a safer place--inside the garage or basement, for example.

Magnolias are relatively unaffected by pests and disease. What will send them into a tailspin, though, is not getting enough water.

Tidbit: Beetles--not bees or butterflies--do most of the pollinating because magnolia flowers don't produce nectar.