We have a houseguest arriving this evening and I wanted to cut a magnolia blossom for her room. I knew not to touch the blossom so that it won't brown, but my blossom isn't faring too well. The lovely smell of magnolia has sort of degenerated to a mediciny smell, and the inside petals of the blossom have closed. Since it's a woody stem, maybe I should have cut the stem longitudinally as well as horizontally, or smashed the stem? Any tips are appreciated. Sheila
Magnolia blossom questions
I have never been successful in conditioning magnolia flowers for arrangements. They just don't seem to last well when cut although the foliage is wonderful. My best luck has ben with cutting the opening buds rather than the full blown blossom.
Beth