Amazon.co.uk Review
Graham Rankin is an established expert on magnolia propagation, having worked with two of the largest collections in Britain: "The National Collection", The Valley and Savill Gardens, Windsor Great Park. In this Hamlyn care manual, Rankin addresses the needs of both first time and experienced growers when cultivating this diverse flower--aside from the common whites and pinks, colours now include ruby-reds, metallic blues and greens and bright canary yellow, flowering for more than nine months of the year. This book covers every variety and aspect of the plant from its history--including eminent "plant hunters" and the species they introduced--to the best methods of cultivation and care.
The book's "Propagation" chapter is clearly written and includes when and how best to take cuttings, grafting, layering and aftercare. Rankin includes useful definitions of lesser-known grafting terms so that the amateur is not left out in the cold. Similarly, he offers helpful tips on which kind of plant to buy (grafted, seed-raised or cutting-raised) and the surprisingly difficult art of spotting whether a plant is dead or alive.
Having achieved successful propagation, the book continues with planting, cultivating and pruning. Useful tips include where to site your magnolia, what time of year to plant and how to protect it from pests and diseases. Rankin also covers greenhouse pot culture.
Magnolia: A Hamlyn Care Manual also offers one of the most comprehensive lists of magnolia species available, as well as a directory of their cultivars. This book is attractive and well presented, with high-quality colour photographs which make it equally appealing as a glossy coffee-table tome or a practical manual. --Karen Homer
Product Description
Rankin explains in detail all the techniques needed to keep magnolias in good shape. The use of clear text and step-by-step photos and illustrations ensure that even the most nervous newcomer can approach growing these magnificent blooms with confidence.