Magnolia Flower – Meaning and Symbolism

Magnolias are simply lovely flowers with meaningful symbolism. Known for their big, shiny flowers which grow at the ends of large branches, there are numerous legends about the Magnolia flower and its symbolism. This article will cover everything you need to know about the symbolism and meaning of magnolias.

What Are Magnolias?

Magnolias have been around for thousands of years and are one of the first flowering plants. Fossil remains reveal that these plants have been living on Earth for over 100 million years. Magnolias are renowned for their spectacular, fragrant flowers, as well as their appealing, evergreen, glossy leaves. 

Magnolia is a large flowering plant genus. There are over 210 species in the Magnolioideae subfamily. The color and appearance of magnolias vary depending on the species, but they typically range between shades of white to pink. Magnolias in Asia differ from magnolias in North America in appearance. 

Pierre Magnol, a French botanist, was the inspiration for the name of this flower. He assisted scientists in determining that plants were classified into families rather than species. 

East Asia, the Himalayas, eastern North America, and Central America are all home to this species. Magnolia trees can reach a height of 40 to 80 feet and a spread of 30 to 80 feet. They can be evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous, depending on the species. 

The arrangement of the petals is unique to the Magnolia, and not found in other flowers. Some magnolia petals are large and not divided into numerous independent, single petals. These gigantic petals are often mistaken for a single, massive petal.

Symbolism of Magnolias

The Magnolia flower has several meanings. Some of these representations are as follows.

Symbol Of Beauty

Magnolias are a symbol of beauty. In ancient China, these flowers were seen as representations of the beauty and gentleness of a woman. The feminine colors of the flowers further strengthen this association.

Dignity and Purity

Magnolia blossoms are emblems of dignity and purity, partly due to their pale feminine colors. In some parts of the world, Magnolia blooms are incorporated into bridal bouquets, as a representation of the bride鈥檚 purity.

Longevity

Magnolias appear to be delicate flowers, but they are hardy as is the Magnolia tree. These trees have evolved over thousands of years and live to be hundreds of years old. Due to these associations, Magnolias represent long life and endurance.

Tranquility and Good Energy

In Feng Shui, Magnolia shrubs or trees planted outside a home are said to bring calmnes and tranquillity to those who live there. It鈥檚 also believed that if a Magnolia plant is planted in the backyard, the owner will benefit financially. 

Love

The Magnolia flower represents love and adoration. This makes the flower a perfect gift for someone you love. It is also associated with the love of nature.

Magnolia Color Meanings

The petals of magnolia flowers come in a variety of colors, each with its own meaning. 

• Pink Magnolias

Pink petals are related to the Greek Goddess of Love Aphrodite (Roman Venus). They reflect the feminine aspect. Pink Magnolias also provide a home with a friendly atmosphere.聽The exquisite hue of the Magnolia flower will make a strong statement for someone you care about as it shows affection and love.聽

• White Magnolias

The white petals of Magnolias are connected with the Greek lunar goddesses Selene or Artemis. As with most white flowers, white Magnolias symbolize purity, innocence, faith, hope, spirituality, love, and care.

• Red Magnolias

The rich, red-colored Magnolia flower is a majestic eye-catcher. It鈥檚 a rarer hue of the Magnolia genus and is difficult to come across. It symbolizes love and is a perfect flower to give to a significant other.

• Yellow Magnolias

Friendship, love, and happiness are all symbols of the yellow Magnolia blossom. This flower conveys your concern for others and demonstrates your compassion and love for them.

• Purple Magnolias

The purple Magnolia blossom symbolizes majesty, royalty, mystery, spirituality, and luxury. These flowers can be given to practically anyone and will never deliver the wrong message. Purple Magnolia flowers are usually elegant, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind.

Significance and Uses of Magnolia

• Medicinal Use: Magnolia bark and flower buds have been used to treat headaches, toothaches, lung difficulties, menstrual cramps, and muscular relaxation, among other things. Herbalists in Russia often soak magnolia tree bark in vodka before using it.

• Furniture: Magnolia wood is used in the construction of houses and furnishings. It鈥檚 a hard wood, with a fine texture and beautiful grain. It looks similar to maple wood.

• For Ornamental Purposes: Magnolia is a popular ornamental plant around the world. While these plants are typically planted in the ground and grow to large sizes, they can also be cultivated in pots. The flowers are used in bouquets, for interior decorations, and given as gifts.

• As a National Flower: North Korea’s national flower is the fragrant Magnolia, commonly known as Siebold’s magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii).

• Eaten As Salad: With a faint ginger flavor, Magnolia flowers are not only edible but also tasty. They are deliciously fresh and raw in a salad.

WHEN to Give Magnolia?

Magnolia bouquets are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some occasions to give a Magnolia bouquet as a gift.

• Get Well Soon Gift: Due to its associations with endurance and longevity, it鈥檚 a perfect gift for someone who isn鈥檛 in good health.
• Valentine鈥檚 Day:聽The red Magnolia flower is a sign of love, passion, and romance. This makes it ideal to give as a Valentine鈥檚 Day gift instead of the traditional red rose.
• Birthday Wishes:聽Magnolia flowers can be given to congratulate new parents. They also make good birthday gifts.
• Housewarming:聽As a housewarming gift, Magnolia flowers represent tranquillity, friendliness, and a warm atmosphere. 聽
• Women鈥檚 Day: Pink Magnolia is an ideal gift for any lady in your life who you admire – your mother, sister, friends, or spouse.

• Friendship Day: Giving your friend a yellow Magnolia flower will remind them of how much you care about them and value their presence in your life.

Wrapping Up

The magnolia flower is remarkable and meaningful since it is associated with a variety of appealing concepts. It鈥檚 a perfect gift for a variety of occasions, and a general favorite as it鈥檚 flowers and soft hues tend to go with any d茅cor and beautify any garden.

Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her.