Temple magnolia 'Silver Cloud' Magnolia doltsopa 'Silver Cloud'
ABOUT
Magnolia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with large, showy, often fragrant flowers, often opening before the leaves, and sometimes followed by colourful cone-like fruit. 'Silver Cloud' is a small, evergreen tree or large shrub with very long, leathery, dark green, oval leaves. The large, bowl-shaped, cream flowers up to 20cm across are fragrant and appear from spring to early summer
About this plant
NamesFamily
Magnoliaceae
Synonyms
Silver Cloud Magnolia, Sweet Michelia, White Champaca
Common names
Michelia doltsopa, Magnolia excelsa, Michelia excelsa.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Magnolia doltsopa 'Silver Cloud', commonly known as Sweet Michelia, has large, fragrant, cream-colored flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Year-round Interest: This evergreen shrub or small tree offers glossy green leaves throughout the year, maintaining garden interest across seasons.
- Shade Provision: As a tree, Sweet Michelia can provide a considerable amount of shade, creating cool, shaded areas in gardens and parks.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The tree can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing a source of food and contributing to biodiversity.
- Noise Barrier: Thick foliage and the dense growth habit of Sweet Michelia can help dampen noise when planted in groups, making it an effective natural noise barrier.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of this plant can help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its dense growth, it can be used as a privacy screen or hedge to block unsightly views and provide privacy to property owners.
- Architectural Interest: The distinct form and structure of Sweet Michelia provide architectural interest to landscape designs, complementing built elements with its natural beauty.
- Cultural Significance: Magnolia species are often associated with nobility and purity and can be used in cultural or ceremonial plantings, enriching the heritage of the surrounding area.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Magnolia 'Silver Cloud' wood can be used in the creation of small wooden objects, such as picture frames, showcasing its fine grain and potential for a smooth finish.
- The fallen petals of the 'Silver Cloud' can be collected and used in potpourri to add a subtle floral fragrance to a room.
- Dried branches of the Magnolia 'Silver Cloud' can be incorporated into decorative wreaths, bringing a natural and sophisticated touch to home decor.
- The dense foliage can provide a natural screen, offering privacy for gardens and outdoor living spaces throughout the year.
- Because of its attractive blooms, the 'Silver Cloud' is a popular choice for botanical art and photography, serving as a beautiful subject matter.
- Bees are attracted to the 'Silver Cloud' flowers making it a beneficial plant to include in gardens focused on supporting pollinators.
- The sturdy branches of mature 'Silver Cloud' trees may be used in garden trellising for climbing plants that require support.
- Leaves from the Magnolia 'Silver Cloud' could be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of green hues.
- Magnolia 'Silver Cloud' trees can be grown as bonsai, offering a challenging and rewarding way to appreciate its beauty on a miniature scale.
- The strong, fragrant scent of the 'Silver Cloud' flowers can be used in the perfume industry as inspiration for creating magnolia-scented fragrances.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Magnolia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Magnolia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The white blossoms of the Silver Cloud Magnolia are often associated with purity and innocence.
- Perseverance: Being a hardy plant, the Silver Cloud Magnolia symbolizes endurance and the ability to overcome adversity.
- Nobility: Magnolias have long been considered symbols of nobility and dignity, especially in traditional Asian cultures.
- Feminine Beauty: With its delicate petals and graceful appearance, the Silver Cloud Magnolia is often linked with the beauty and gentleness of the feminine spirit.
- Eternal and Unchanging Love: Magnolias are ancient species, and their enduring nature symbolizes long-lasting and steadfast love.
- Peace and Tranquility: The soothing color and appearance of the Silver Cloud Magnolia flowers promote a sense of calm and peace.
WaterThe Sweet Michelia, also known as Magnolia doltsopa 'Silver Cloud', prefers consistent moisture without being waterlogged. Water the plant deeply, ensuring that the soil is moistened to a depth of several inches. During the growing season, water the Sweet Michelia once a week with about 1.5 to 2 gallons per watering session for an established plant in typical garden soil. In hot and dry conditions, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter conditions, you can water less often. It's important to reduce watering in the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.
LightSweet Michelia thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal for promoting healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureSweet Michelia enjoys a temperature range between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mature plants can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but young plants should be protected from frost. Ideal growing conditions are provided by moderate temperatures without extreme heat or cold. Keep the Sweet Michelia away from strong, cold winds which can damage the foliage and flowers.
PruningSweet Michelia benefits from light pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune after flowering in late spring or early summer to avoid cutting off next year's blooms. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches to maintain good air circulation. Major pruning should be done every few years, while light maintenance pruning can be done annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Magnolia 'Silver Cloud', the best soil mix is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of loam, peat, and compost with added perlite or coarse sand for improved drainage works well for this plant.
RepottingMagnolia 'Silver Cloud' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Early spring, just before the growing season, is the best time for repotting this plant.
Humidity & MistingMagnolia 'Silver Cloud' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. Ideally, maintain a humidity level of around 50% for optimal growth and health of the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and water when dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist, acidic soil; protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Magnolia doltsopa 'Silver Cloud', also known as Sweet Michelia, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, usually in the spring following a stratification period that breaks dormancy. Seedlings develop a taproot and start to grow their first leaves. As young plants, they grow vigorously if given the right conditions of partial to full sunlight and well-drained, rich, acidic soil. Sweet Michelia reaches maturity in several years, forming a pyramidal shape with dark green foliage. It then blooms in late winter to early spring, producing fragrant, creamy-white flowers before the appearance of new leaves. After pollination by insects, the plant produces aggregate fruit that matures and releases seeds, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The propagation of Magnolia doltsopa 'Silver Cloud', commonly known as Sweet Michelia, is typically done through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is the most popular method and involves taking a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length from a healthy parent plant. The best time to take these cuttings is during the late summer or early autumn. The cut end of the stem is usually treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a propagation medium that provides good drainage, such as a mixture of peat and perlite. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed and the plant can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
