An Introduction to the Characteristics, Blooming Season and Care Methods of the White Champaca

The white champaca (Magnolia x alba) is an evergreen tree in the genus Michelia of the family Magnoliaceae, and people customarily call it the white orchid. It originated in the Southeast Asia region and is widely cultivated in the warm areas of South China and Southwest China. The plant is tall and upright, with luxuriant branches and leaves; the leaves are emerald green and glossy, and when it blooms the flowers are pure white and elegantly understated, with a clear, lingering fragrance, making it an excellent tree that offers both flowers to admire and scent to enjoy.

The blooming season of the white champaca is mostly concentrated in summer and autumn, and in a suitable temperature environment it can bloom several times, giving a fairly long ornamental period. It is often mentioned alongside the yellow champaca; the two are closely related plants of the same genus, similar in appearance, and the main difference lies in flower colour: the white champaca's flowers are white while the yellow champaca tends toward yellow, but both carry a rich fragrance.

To care for a white champaca, give it a warm, humid environment with plenty of light, and note that it is not cold hardy, being easily damaged by frost when the temperature drops too low, so in northern regions it must be moved indoors in winter or given good protection against the cold. The soil should be slightly acidic, loose, fertile and well drained; water by the principle of letting the soil dry out before watering again, and never let water collect, since prolonged waterlogging easily causes root rot, and once this is noticed the plant should promptly be taken out of its pot, the rotted roots trimmed and fresh soil used.

The white champaca also has many uses: planted in a courtyard it can serve as an ornamental and shade tree, and as a potted plant it is equally suitable on a balcony or in a living room. Besides being enjoyed for its flowers, the blossoms can be used to scent flower tea and to extract essence, and many people like to pick the flowers to wear or place indoors, but when placing them in a bedroom, be careful to keep the room ventilated so that the rich fragrance does not affect rest.