More than a Flower: The Magnificent Meaning Behind Magnolia Trees

There’s more than one way to say what you mean.

Words aren’t always the easiest form of communication.  That’s how some folks have managed to turn greeting cards into lucrative business models.  But before that, we were a little more creative. When words failed, we used symbols. 

We, as humans, adore symbolism. Symbols allow us to convey multitudes of complex ideas and feelings without uttering a sound.

From art, to religion, to marketing, to fashion – across the globe, we pack symbols and iconography into our daily lives.   Each cross you see on a church, every flag outside a government building, every wreath you see on a door all mean something (no words needed). 

It’s like how you know someone wearing a suit is either headed to a fancy formal event, or they’ve got a career profession (like in law, finance, or higher education). You didn’t need to meet that person in order to understand what their suit means.  You just know.

Say It with Nature…

Symbolism is especially poignant when you use it to express yourself.  

In the Victorian Era, floriography was a popular form of symbolic (and slightly covert) communication.  Instead of saying “thanks for understanding,” you might send a bouquet of hydrangeas.  Instead of “I’m sorry for your loss,”  you might send a bouquet of white lilies.  The list goes on, and yes, there are books on the subject!

We’re more interested, however, on the subject of magnolias.

After all, we chose them as the symbol and namesake of our company. 

Get to Know the Tree

Before you can understand what something means, you need to understand what it is, or rather, what makes it special.

Unforgettable Fragrance

Magnolias (especially Southern Magnolias) are renowned for their sweet smelling ivory blossoms that decorate the spring and summer months of the year.  American southerners in particular can probably recount many warm summertime memories of catching its fragrance on the breeze, right next to Fourth of July barbeque smoke and freshly cut grass.

Gentle (and Old) Giants

These trees grow big, and they grow strong.  It’s hard to topple a magnolia once it’s mature.  It’s also difficult to put these trees in a climate they can’t handle.  Short of heavy snowfall, there’s very little a magnolia can’t survive. 

And survive they will!  Most magnolias, if left to grow in peace, will live for a century or more.  The Southern Magnolia in the gardens of the Colonial Williamsburg historic preserve is around 200 years old. 

Historic Legacy

It makes sense: in order to survive this many millions of years, magnolias had to grow tough.  They’re among the earliest hardwood species known to evolve, which is a really fancy way of saying these trees are OLD.  Their existence predates flying insects, so their primary pollinators have always been beetles.

Tougher than Nails

The wood from Southern Magnolias is the densest of the main 3 magnolia species, with a fine texture and straight grain.  Its wood is moderately hard and notably high in shock resistance.  It can be worked with by hand or machine, seldom splits, and handles detailed carving remarkably well.  While many carpenters overlook this wood, southern woodworkers understand its value.   

Beautiful, Gorgeous, & Evergreen

And then, there’s their look.  After all, appearance is what makes a symbol.   Towering at an average height of 50-70 feet, magnolias are crowned with a magnificent abundance of glossy green foliage.  Their leaves are large, with a shiny top and velvet copper colored underside.   Most species of magnolia are evergreen, so they keep their leaves year round. 

Big, beautiful blossoms dot their branches in the summer months, and these flowers are unmistakable.  Southern Magnolias sport a cream colored bloom, but pink, pale yellow, and even purple flowers can be found on other types of magnolias. 

So What Does It Mean?

Endurance & Perseverance

Magnolias are here to stay, come hell or high water (as we say in the South).  No matter what challenges you throw at this plant, it will find a way.  Because of this quality, magnolias are a symbol of stability. 

Luck & Prosperity

Colors carry so much meaning, and green is one we understand perfectly.  With their evergreen nature, the sheer abundance of their leaves, and the rich green and copper hue of their foliage, it’s hard not to see exactly how magnolias have become a symbol of financial success over the centuries.

In the state of Georgia, you’ll find many people plant a magnolia in their front yard, hoping to grow both beauty and blessings for their home and family.

Nobility & Grace

Magnolias are a popular pick for yard decor because they look spectacular year round.  Deep colors, tall stature, robust blossoms – this tree carries itself like royalty, even in the face of adversity. 

For this reason, magnolias make an especially thoughtful gift for mothers and the other strong women in your life.  No one understands handling challenges with grace, poise, and their head held high quite like a mom!

Magnolias Around the World

Magnolias are indigenous to North America and Asia.  So, outside of the US, they still carry meaning.

In Chinese culture, magnolias are also a symbol of purity and status (nobility, too).  Traditional Chinese medicine practices used magnolia bark as a sleep aid. 

Japanese culture views the magnolia bloom as a symbol of dignity, perseverance, nobility, and a love of nature. 

The Magnolia Flower

We mentioned that magnolia flowers bloom in a few different hues, depending on the species.  Since colors carry their own meaning, here’s what each kind of bloom represents:

White – Purity, Birth, Rebirth & Perfection
Pink – Youth, Innocence, Joy
Purple – Good Health & Good Luck
Yellow/Green – Good Fortune, Happiness, & Success

Isn’t She Beautiful?

When we started working with magnolias over 20 years ago, we had no idea this tree meant so much. 

Our beloved Southern Magnolias taught us (and continue to teach us) many lessons about not giving up, about carrying ourselves with grace, about the beauty of generosity.  Now, we can’t imagine cherishing any other plant in the way we do our magnolias. 

As stewards of the gifts of nature, we dedicate ourselves to giving back as much as they’ve given us. 

Tell us!  What do magnolias mean to you?