Spring Blossoms For A Warm Climate.

 

 

Many people try to grow flowering cherries, particularly the weeping standard type, in our warmer climate with limited success; they rarely perform to their utmost in terms of growth & flowering. Think of those lovely pictures showing plants in full bloom, taken in cooler climates; very unlikely unless your plant is in a hollow, or open frosty area that chills during winter.

My two favourite flowering deciduous shrubs that perform well around the Illawarra are Flowering Quince, (Chaenomeles), & Magnolias (Magnolia).

The first four photos are of a Flowering Quince shrub in the main street of Appin that has been blooming for around a month:-

Close-up of the flowers

 

 

The shrub below is on the southern side of the old Bulli Council Chambers:-

 Note that this plant carries more foliage than the Appin specimen, probably a result of the warmer Bulli climate.

 

White- flowered Quince in Wollongong Botanic Garden:-

 

Pink-tinged cultivar 'Apple Blossom' as a pot plant:-

 

There appear to be two forms or species involved in the locally-grown plants; one produces an elongated leathery textured fruit that turns yellowish as it ripens, along with wizening of the skin. The other variety has a more rounded fruit with a smooth skin that turns reddish with ripening. Both can be propagated from seed.

Some individuals set seed fairly easily, probably due to their capacity for self- pollination, while other plants seem more reluctant. Root propagation is one option with a high success rate but the problem of limited material.

 

The deciduous Magnolias are a signpost for winters' departure & the arrival of spring:- 

Magnolia hybrid 'Vulcan'; one of the best, opening crimson then becoming more pink with age:-

 

 

Magnolia liliiflora 'nigra' is usually encountered in plantings that took place during the  1940s' to mid 1960s', from the days when they were propagated by layering of the lower branches; this made them scarce & expensive. 

 Colour is darkest on opening, lightening with age; contrast in flower colour between interior & exterior becomes more pronounced as the flower matures.

 

The above-pictured plant is over 50 years old, typical for the period; it has been heavily pruned at least 4 times during this period & is still growing strongly.

Magnolia X soulangeana was more commonly grown in the 1960s' & 1970s', mostly propagated from cuttings. Recognise these plants from their white flowers shaded with lilac-pink toward the petals' base:- 

 

One of the newer soulangeana-type plants that have become available in more recent years; this one appears to have Magnolia campbellii in its' parentage, & may even be that species:-

 

That's all for now,

Russell,

The Niche Nursery,

Thirroul.