One of the most striking flowering trees you can find in spring is the elegant magnolia. With blooms only lasting a short few weeks, admirers watch with anticipation each year as the trees begin to bud. Perhaps that’s why the magnolia represents nobility, perseverance, and a love for nature in the language of flowers.
The ancient genus Magnolia was first named in Martinique after the French botanist Pierre Magnol. They are flowering trees and shrubs whose first appearance seems to date back as far as 95 million years ago. Their blossoms are an example of a primitive flower that is thought to have appeared before bees evolved. Scientists theorise that the thick petals and tough reproductive organs of the flower developed to resist damage from the early wingless beetles that would have originally pollinated the plant.
Although some can be toxic, the budding flowers of many species are edible and have a light gingery taste. Magnolia petals can be turned into a syrup, pickled, or even used in salads and stir fries. But here in the Gardens we prefer to let them grow and admire the beautiful sea of petals that burst into life along Magnolia Avenue.
Visitors have been busy capturing videos and pictures of the stunning sights, and you can find a selection of our favourites over on Instagram. Make sure you make a trip to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens soon to catch the magnificent views before the petals drop!