Magnolia grandiflora

Bull Bay, Southern Magnolia

Message of the Flower

Perfect Vigilance

The Mother’s Comment

Nothing is neglected in its observation.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Vigilance means to be awake, to be on one's guard, to be sincere—never to be taken by surprise. When you want to do sadhana, at each moment of your life, there is a choice between taking a step that leads to the goal and falling asleep or sometimes even going backwards, telling yourself, "Oh, later on, not immediately"—sitting down on the way.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1929 - 1931: Vigilance

Colour

Ivory white

Family

Magnoliaceae

Cultivars

Little Gem', 'Bracken's Brown Beauty', 'Edith Bogue'

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

6 to 12 inches in diameter

Flower Texture

Waxy and smooth

Number of Petals

6 to 12 petals

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Strong and sweet, especially noticeable in the evening and early morning

Leaf Texture

Thick, leathery

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Dark green on the upper surface, often with a rusty or brownish underside

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Tree

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Late spring to early summer, with sporadic blossoms throughout the summer

Climate

Subtropical to warm temperate

Water Requirements

Medium, prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some wet conditions

Soil Type

Prefers acidic to neutral soil, well-drained

Temperature Ranges

Hardy to USDA zones 7-10

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun to partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Can be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and leaf spot diseases

Pollinators

Bees, beetles, and other insects attracted by its fragrance

Habitat

Native to the southeastern United States, found in mixed hardwood forests and as a landscape tree in residential areas

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides habitat and food for wildlife; the flowers provide nectar for pollinators

Ornamental

Widely planted as an ornamental tree for its impressive flowers and foliage

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Landscaping, horticulture

Endangered Status

Not endangered, but conservation of natural habitats is essential for its wild populations

Search by Keywords

Search by flower's colour, message, common name, botanical name etc.