We had a horrific ice storm in '09 and at that time the magnolia that I started from seed was about 6 feet tall and the heavy ice bent it over and it froze to the ground. Stayed that way for about 7 days and I was determined to leave it alone, afraid it would break if I tried to un-stick it from the icy ground. I just knew it was lost. But no! It finally bounced right back up when the thaw came and in 2011 it had its first bloom! I'm guessing if they can survive that kind of treatment, they'll last much longer than I will!
This year it had several blooms on it and now I'm even enjoying its display of red seed pods. Yes about the southern scent, nothing like it! I hope yours do well and I truly know how you feel about them! Jean, I think we both need to always have magnolias in our lives!
