PORT WINE MAGNOLIA
A special floral is Michelia figo as it is generally labelled and that we know in our gardens as the Port Wine Magnolia. It originates in China as so many of our wonderful flora and is enjoyed for its scented flower oil used on the hair and valued for the fragrance it offers in the garden environment. The flower shares the genus of the famous Champaka.
The tiny flowers of this wonderful plant when sniffed in the warmth of the day, or when they exude what can only be called an intoxicating and intriguing scent. Some are known to have an aversion to its strong , sweet perfume and yet others, as myself would happily swoon with pleasure if I could only inhale greater quantities of it! Such is our individual reaction to aromatics.
Landscape gardeners are usually aware of the likelihood that some will not appreciate a port wine magnolia shrub in close proximity and adapt the placement of these exotics to suit the owners or the environment. The shrubs would be enjoyed near schools or in parks that young people frequent as their sensitivity is keen. We may think that older people would not be able to indulge in the same way but sometimes a hint or memory can compensate to echo past delights experienced by a port wine magnolia lover.
The essential oil from the flower is rarely known and expensive as all the exquisite florals and we will welcome its future availability.
Mail this post
