IN THIS ARTICLE
Magnolia Blue Opal
Magnolia blue opal is a large deciduous shrub that matures into a large tree. It is also called by its botanical name Magnolia Acuminata and commonly called blue magnolia, cucumbertree, or cucumber magnolia.
Spotlight: Magnolia acuminata Blue Opal, The Blue Budded Tulip Tree
It is regarded as one of the largest magnolia trees, and native to Eastern USA and Southern Ontario in Canada. Though it is a hardy species, tolerating temperature levels less than zero degrees Celsius, it is rarely found growing in the UK.
Magnolia blue opal grows to reach a maximum height of about 49 feet and spread of 26 feet. It features showy blue-green buds that emerge in spring to give way to dark yellow flowers with the blue-green buds serving as the outer petals. Its deciduous leaves of 12 to 25 cm length and 6 to 12 cm width are arranged in an alternating pattern on woody stems.
Growing and Caring For Magnolia Blue Opal
Cucumber magnolia is easy to grow and care for without any fuss. Though they are hardy plants, they are best planted away from frost pockets to avoid frost settling on their leaves.
Propagation methods
The best time to start growing cucumber magnolia is in early summer when it can be propagated softwood cuttings. If you are starting your plant in late summer or autumn, propagate by semi-ripe cuttings. Starting your plants early in summer gives them time to be properly established before they begin blooming in spring or between March and August.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Blue magnolia opal can grow well in neutral to acidic soil but alkaline soil is the best option. To ensure that your plant is getting maximum nutrients, mix that soil with well-rotted compost at the beginning of its growing season in spring.
- Light: It grows best in a position where it can get the full sun and still have shelter against strong winds. Full sun exposure will ensure that its flowers bloom beautifully to give a showy display.
- Water: Blue magnolia opal tree should be watered regularly to allow it easily absorb nutrients from the soil. It should be kept moist but not wet and should be allowed to drain properly.
- Pruning: Pruning should be done in midsummer and early autumn after the blooming period of your magnolia tree. It should be done only to remove dead and diseased branches and should not be extreme. Hard pruning should be avoided as it can cause your tree to stop flowering.
- Pests and diseases: They are generally free from pests but are highly susceptible to fungal diseases.
- Temperature and Humidity: They are one of the hardiest magnolia trees and can survive in temperature levels as low as -15 to -23 degrees celsius.
