When Does Michelia Alba Bloom? A Detailed Introduction to Its Flowering Period

Michelia alba (white champaca) is a famous ornamental tree for gardens, often planted as a street tree. It is cultivated extensively in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and other provinces and regions in China, and is mostly grown in pots in the provinces and regions of the Yangtze River basin. Its flowering period is usually from April to September, blooming profusely in summer, and it usually does not bear fruit. Let's take a look below at when Michelia alba blooms and the care methods during its flowering period!

When does Michelia alba bloom?

Michelia alba blooms every year in summer and autumn. The farther south, the earlier the flowering period. In Shenzhen it blooms around midsummer, and the flowering period is relatively long, lasting almost 1 month. White magnolia blooms from April to September, cinnabar magnolia blooms from April to May, purple magnolia blooms from April to July, and round-leaved magnolia blooms in June.

How to make Michelia alba bloom more?

1. Leaf removal and pinching: Before and after moving the plant outdoors, remove the leaves once, taking off all the old leaves and leaving only a few leaves on the branch tips, to encourage new branches and leaves and promote flower bud formation. During the growing period, pinch the tips 3 times: the first pinching after the flowers fade, to encourage new shoots and more flower buds; afterward, pinch twice more at intervals, so that the flowering is lush and gorgeous and the flowers keep coming.

2. Timely fertilization: From early May to the end of September, during the peak flowering period, follow the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently and strengthen fertilizer and water management. Apply a decomposed soybean cake fertilizer solution once every 3~5 days, and apply fertilizer water once every 7~10 days, alternating between them. Before flowering, also apply 1~2 additional applications of quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which can keep Michelia alba blooming continuously.

3. Reasonable watering: The potting soil should not be too wet. In spring, do not water too much; keeping the potting soil moist is best. During the summer growing period, prevent dryness to avoid the leaves drying and scorching. In autumn, water slightly more than in spring, and each watering should soak through. Toward the end of autumn, gradually reduce the frequency of watering. During the rainy season, drain accumulated water to prevent root rot and yellow leaves.

Care methods during the flowering period of Michelia alba

1. Light should be soft: Michelia alba likes light. In summer, it can be placed under a shaded flower shed. Open the curtain in the morning to let it receive sunlight, and after 9 o'clock cover it well to shade it from the sun, especially avoiding direct exposure to strong midday light.

2. Water frequently: Michelia alba likes moisture. In summer, water often; it is best to give one thorough watering each morning and evening. On hot days, also spray water twice on the leaves and surrounding area in the morning and afternoon to increase humidity. Because its roots are fleshy roots, it fears waterlogging, so on cloudy and rainy days you should water less or not at all. If it is exposed to rain, promptly pay attention to drainage in the pot to prevent the roots from rotting from soaking, which can cause the whole plant to die. Because Michelia alba is a typical acid-loving flower and fears alkalinity, and water in the north is relatively alkaline, long-term use can easily cause leaves to yellow and fall off, so when watering it is best to alternately use stored rainwater, or water with ferrous sulfate solution.

3. Fertilizer should be generous: During the growing period, Michelia alba likes heavy fertilizer and heavy watering. Not only should you water well, you should also apply fertilizer well. It is best to use liquid fertilizer. Mix horseshoe slices, sesame paste and ferrous sulfate in a ratio of 1:1:0.5, soak in water for one week, and after fermentation, dilute with clean water and apply once every 5 days for better results: the leaves and flowers become broad and thick, and the flowers are fragrant and rich.

4. Prevent pests well: In summer, Michelia alba is most vulnerable to red spider mites. Usually spray water more on the leaf surface and the plant to increase humidity and prevent pest outbreaks. If they occur, when there are few, you can use a sprayer to spray clean water to wash the leaves; when there are many, you can spray 20% dicofol emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution to kill the pests.