Image Credit: Unsplash

The magnolia flower has been around for many years. The recent discovery of some magnolia fossils proves that these flowers have been blooming on the Earth for as long as 100 to 200 million years!

These flowers are loved by all, with numerous types and species. Over time, even more species are being developed, and each of these species is unique in its petals and fragrance. They are characterized by large leaves, which have a leathery appearance. These flowers can be of two types, the tropical type or the deciduous type. This type is dependent on the place they are growing.

The most common types of magnolias are the anise magnolia, bigleaf magnolia, lily magnolia, Kobus magnolia, and so on. Each of these magnolias is unique in its appearance and native to some country. The Kobus magnolia is native to Korea and Japan and is thus also termed fondly as Japanese magnolia. The bigleaf magnolia, on the other hand, is native to Mexico and the USA and has long leaves.

The magnolia flower comes from the family of Magnoliaceae and has historical significance. It is known to have come to the Earth even before the bees had evolved! These deciduous shrubs bloom mostly in the spring season, and the fruits are usually produced in the season of autumn. Magnolias are known to have a preference for moist soils which are acidic in nature.

The scientific name of this beautiful flower is Magnolia lilliflora. It is its common name as well. The name of the flower is just enough to justify its elegant and graceful shape. This tulip-shaped flower has elongated petals and has a soft, subtle color to it. 

There are various species of magnolias, and each of them has a specific scientific name. The bigleaf magnolia is one such type, which is white in color, with pink or purple hues. The scientific name of this species is Magnolia macrophylla. The Oyama magnolia, on the other hand, has a distinct appearance with cup-shaped petals. These flowers have crimson stamens and have been named Magnolia seiboldii scientifically.

Magnolia flower meaning has its roots in its discovery. This tree was first discovered by a renowned botanist from France. This botanist was Charles Plumier, who spotted this tree on an island. This island of Martinique, which was locally termed as ‘talauma,’ was full of magnolia flowers. Plumier had named this flower after another renowned French botanist, Peirre Magnol.

The natural habitat of magnolia is usually centered around Asia. Southeast Asia and eastern Asia are the primary centers of these beautiful flowers. The secondary center of habitat is produced by eastern parts of North America, West Indies, parts of Central America, and so on. Some magnolia species are also spotted in South America.

What do Magnolia flowers symbolize? 

Magnolia flower meaning and symbolization are directed towards the deepest emotions one can have. This flower comes with a very unusual fragrance which is enough to attract you towards it. This incredible plant is largely used for gardening and house decorations. These flowers have many symbolic meanings associated with them.

Magnolia flower meaning and symbolization also have a unique history attached to them. Species of magnolias are native to America and Asia. According to the culture and location, thus the symbolization varies. 

One of the important characteristics of magnolias is that it survives for many years. Endurance is thus one of the symbols that are associated with magnolias. Even though magnolias may look delicate, they are far from being anything like that. They are one of the oldest flowers, and the fossils are enough to be proof of that. 

Magnolias are extremely tough flowers and can stand the test of time. These tough flowers have a tremendous capacity for adaptation. They have adjusted themselves to climate changes and also to a variety of geological conditions. It is one of the reasons that these magnolias also signify longevity of life and eternity. 

Magnolia flowers are those which also signify magnificence and beauty. These flowers boldly bloom in difficult climatic conditions and grow to large sizes. Their beauty is further enhanced by the exquisite and extraordinary smell that they have. 

There is one more thing that the magnolias symbolize. Magnolia flower meaning will be incomplete if their dignity and purity are kept out of the list. These flowers are often those which you will gift to new parents after they have welcomed their newborn. Thus, they symbolize the origin of a person and their birth. 

The other significant magnolia flower meaning and symbolism include:

  • Victorian times: In the early Victorian days, sending flowers was a cue of discreet lovers. The secret lovers used to send messages by sending magnolias. These magnolias signified two things: nobility and dignity.
  • South America: To date, white magnolias can be seen in the bouquet of a bride. Since they symbolize the purity and nobility of a bride, hence the flowers. Magnolias are also officially declared as the state flower in the two states of Louisiana and Mississippi. 
  • China: In the early Chinese days, magnolias held much significance. They stood for the gentleness that a woman has and also her beauty.
  • Japan: The Japanese use magnolias as herbs. They use these flowers for medical purposes and also as ornamental plants. In this country, magnolias are a symbol of sublime nature. The Japanese believe that magnolias are a manifestation of nature itself. 

What do the various colors of the Magnolia flower mean:

Magnolias are colorful flowers that have numerous types. Each color of magnolia has a specific meaning associated with it. The various colors and magnolia flower meanings are enlisted for you.

  • Yellow: The beautiful yellow magnolias signify joy. Other than joy, these flowers are a symbol of happiness and friendship. Goddesses like Sunna or Medusa are often linked with these yellow magnolias. These are famous solar goddesses. The yellow magnolias are perfect for expressing how much you care for another person. You can show your affection and love for your friend if you give them these yellow flowers. 

Image Credit: Pixabay

  • Purple: the purple shaded magnolia signifies many things. It is a symbol of royalty, dignity, and pride. This magnolia is also symbolic of extravagance, spirituality, and even mystery. Purple magnolias are extremely classy and form a unique gift. These purple flowers also represent religion, and you can spot them in numerous religious rituals. 

Image Credit: Unsplash

  • Pink: the pink magnolia is a symbol of romance and love. It symbolizes femininity. The pink petals of magnolia are mostly associated with Venus or Aphrodite, who are love goddesses. The gorgeous pink magnolias are a perfect show of your affection towards your loved one. You can gift these shades to any woman who is there in your life, your sister, friend, mother, or your beau. 

Image Credit: Pixabay

  • White: white signifies purity. Just like the color, white magnolias also signify purity and innocence. Apart from these two traits, the white magnolias stand for hope, faith, care, and even spirituality. The white magnolias are sometimes associated with goddesses like Artemis or Selene. These are famous lunar goddesses. If you want to send someone a message filled with kindness and gentle gesture, then these flowers should be your perfect choice.

Image Credit: Unsplash

Magnolias come in red color too. Just like the color red signifies love, so do red magnolias. These magnolias are a tad bit rare for you to come across, but it is an immediate eye-catcher! These flowers also signify romance and passion. This attention-seeking flower is perfect for showing off your strong feelings of love and express the fiery and deepest emotions that you hold. 

There are important botanical characteristics of a magnolia. These flowers have numerous medical uses and have been used as medicine by the people of China for centuries. The bark of a magnolia tree and its flowers have found their uses in medical pills or herbal teas and powders. This flower is known to help people get rid of runny noses, lung problems, and any chest congestion. 

Interesting facts and characteristics of the Magnolia flower:

Magnolia is not only a beautiful flower, but there are so many interesting traits and stories associated with it. There are some very unique and interesting facts surrounding these elegant flowers.

  • Magnolias are flowers that belong to the Magnoliaceae family. It is an ancient flower, and its genus dates back quite some time. These flowers are reported to be existing even before the appearance of bees!
  • Bees are known to be one of the major factors that help in pollination. Since magnolias existed much before the bees, so their pollination was theorized to be done by beetles.
  • These flowers do not produce any nectar. Instead of nectar, the magnolias produce pollen in very large quantities. These pollens help in attracting the beetles. This pollen is very rich in protein, and it forms a good source of food for these beetles. 
  • A magnolia tree can have a height ranging between 15 feet to even 80 feet. This size is dependent on what is the magnolia species in question.
  • A unique fact about magnolias is that their tree bark changes color. When the plants are young, these trees have either brown bark or grey bark. This bark is extremely smooth in young plants. But when the tree grows, these barks become very scaly and change their color to an even darker shade.
  • The natural and primary habitat of these majestic flowers are concentrated in two centers: the primary center is eastern Asia, Southeast Asia. The secondary center in Central America and North America. There are also a few species of these flowers in the continent of South America. 
  • Although the two primary habitats of magnolias are geographically separated, these two groups are completely related to each other. 
  • In almost all the countries of the world, you can find magnolias. They have been naturalized everywhere, owing to their natural beauty. 
  • Magnolias are flowers that bloom boldly. These flowers bloom in the season of spring, and there are tropical type magnolias and even deciduous type. The deciduous species of magnolia trees develop the flowers either along with the leaves or before the appearance of the leaves. 
  • Another interesting fact about magnolia flowers is that they are protogynous. This means that the female and the male parts of the flower open and close at different times. The female part first opens to receive, and then the male parts open to shed the pollen. 
  • Magnolia trees produce fruits that have a unique cone shape. These fruits are reddish-brown in color, and the seeds of these fruits resemble a human kidney. The seeds are also red in color. These seeds are very much a favorite food of various bird species.
  • Magnolias are known for their longevity of life. There are magnolias that have survived 100 years or even more than that. 
  • The smell of magnolia flowers is unique. These flowers are known for their musty smell. A sweet tropical smell also comes from some of the magnolia species. 

Best time to gift someone Magnolia flowers

There is no perfect time to gift someone magnolias! They are the perfect gift for every occasion. They add all the volume to your regular bouquet and bring about a touch of elegance to it! 

Since these flowers signify purity, dignity, and hope, you can gift magnolias to those who have become parents recently. You can gift them these elegant flowers to help them welcome their new bundle of joy. 

Red or pink magnolias are the embodiment of love and affection. So, you can gift your partner a bouquet of magnolias on their special day. Not only your partner, but you can also gift these tulip-shaped flowers to any of your closest friends and even parents!

This beautiful flower is an embodiment of endurance. It is popular due to its rich fragrance and beautiful tulip-shaped petals. These are one of the most sought-after flowers for gifts and decoration.  In the flower language, it is the meaning of this flower that attracts everyone. There are numerous positive traits that a magnolia symbolizes. These meanings make this flower extremely special.