The spectacular Magnolia tree once rubbed shoulders with the dinosaurs. Its fleshy petals, lavish blooms and intense green leaves fragrantly heralded the arrival of summer. Meet a prehistoric flower!
A PREHISTORIC ORIGIN
Magnolia is one of the oldest plants still found on Earth and fossils belonging to the Magnolia family have been unearthed dating back 95 million years! Loyal to its prehistoric roots, the Magnolia tree has remained unruffled by the passage of time.
It is capable of living several hundred years: some of the most famous examples are the White House Magnolia Tree and the specimen found at the Nantes Botanical Garden, planted over 200 years ago.
ORIGINS AND VARIETIES
Originating from Asia, between the Far East and Central Asia, the Magnolia tree is also widely found in North America, where it is the official symbol
of the State of Mississippi, also nicknamed the Tulip Bay Tree. The name Magnolia was given as a tribute to Pierre Magnol (1638-1715), a French doctor, botanist and director of the Montpellier Botanical Garden.
The Magnolia genus includes around 125 varieties, some of which are deciduous and others perennial. Perennial varieties include Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): a majestic tree originating from the southeastern part of the United States, which blooms in summer. The tree can reach up to 30 meters in height and its huge, flared flowers can measure up to 25 cm in diameter! In the language of flowers, the magnolia is a symbol of fidelity, affirming that “I love you and I will always love you”.
PROPERTIES
The Magnolia tree possesses a variety of medicinal properties used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate the circulation of energy. It is particularly reputed for its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, relaxing and soothing properties.
MAGNOLIA BY FRAGONARD
In the first days of summer, the immense Magnolia tree explodes into an abundance of ivory-colored flowers, a luminous and joyful firework display with a bewitching scent.
Created by Céline Ellena, Fragonard’s Magnolia Eau de Toilette evokes sumptuous magnolia blooms bathed in sunlight. Its scent is an ode to sunshine, wonderment, the tender caress of the wind and the most fragrant gardens…
The bewitching new Magnolia range by Fragonard features limited-edition products, more informations on our Online Shop.
