Magnolia

( mag - NOE - lee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Magnolia trees are recognized from their large glossy leaves and their beautiful, large, fragrant flowers. These ancient trees need full sun to partial shade, and regular water for best performance in the landscape. Blooms can emerge in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, red, and purple. Magnolia species are native to two primary, widely separated regions: East and Southeast Asia and the Americas. They can be evergreen or deciduous, and are large trees, typically reaching up to between 50 and 100 feet tall at maturity. Use Magnolia trees in the garden as specimens or focal points, to provide shade, as privacy screening, for their fragrance, or to support local wildlife.

magnolia Species and Varietals

The genus Magnolia contains between 210 and 340 species, and is the type genus member of the plant family Magnoliaceae. Trees in this genus are related to those in Liriodendron (Tulip Tree), Annona (Soursop), Cinnamomum (Cinnamon, Camphor), Persea (Avocado), Laurel (Laurus), and Myristica (Nutmeg). The best growing zones for Magnolia vary depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Magnolia acuminata (Cucumber Tree, Cucumbertree, Cucumber Magnolia, Blue Magnolia)
This deciduous species, native to eastern North America, grows well in zones 2-9 and 14-21, and reaches 60-80 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Flowers are green-yellow and inconspicuous, appearing after leafout in late spring or summer. Seed capsules with red seeds form after blooms fade. Great as a shade or lawn tree; this species dislikes warm, drying winds. Subspecies Magnolia acuminata subcordata takes a shrubbier form to 25-35 feet tall and produces larger, showier flowers. Cultivars of the species include 'Koban Dori' (15-20 feet tall with yellow flowers), 'Yellow Bird' (to 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide with yellow flowers), 'Blue Opal' (with blue buds that open to reveal yellow flowers; to 13-20 feet tall and a bit less wide), and 'Ellen' (with variegated foliage).

Magnolia champaca (Michelia champaca) (Champaca, Yellow Champaka, Joy Perfume Tree, Sampige, Chempaka)
Native to southeast Asia, this evergreen species can be grown as a shrub or tree, and is best in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 or Sunset growing zones 16-24, H1 and H2. It reaches 10-20 feet tall and about as wide. Leaves are glossy and bright green, and flowers are orange-yellow, blooming sporadically throughout the year (most profusely in winter and summer). Blooms have a powerful fragrance, and are famously used as a base for one of the most expensive perfumes in the world. Cultivars include 'Alba' (white flowers), and 'Nok Noi' (dwarf to 5-6 feet tall, perfect for small gardens and containers). This species is considered invasive in Brazil and Cuba.

Magnolia denudata (Magnolia heptapeta) (Yulan Magnolia, Lily Tree, Jade Lily, Naked Magnolia)
This deciduous species is native to central and eastern China and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 3b-9 and 14-24. Trees reach up to 35 feet tall and 30 feet wide when mature. Flowers are fragrant and white (sometimes tinged purple at the base) and bloom just before leaves emerge. This species has an irregular form and is great for informal or woodland gardens. Cultivars include 'Yellow River' ('Fei Huang', compact with yellow-white flowers), 'Forrest's Pink' (with rich pink flowers), 'Purple Eye' (with ivory petals that have deep purple bases), 'Minrose' (with pink petals that have a dark outline), and 'Jinyu' (with variegated foliage).

Magnolia doltsopa (Michelia doltsopa) (Sweet Michelia)
This evergreen Himalayan native grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 14-24, H1 and H2 and reaches up to 90 feet tall at maturity. Its habit ranges from shrubby to narrow and upright, and is simple to manipulate through pruning. Leaves are leathery and dark green, and flowers are creamy to white with a green tint. Blooms are present in winter and spring. Cultivars include 'Silver Cloud' (profuse creamy-white blooms to 15-20 feet tall), and those in the Fairy Series (Fairy Blush, Fairy White, Fairy Cream), which have compact forms and profuse, fragrant blooms. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand.

Magnolia figo (Michelia figo) (Banana Shrub, Port Wine Magnolia, Banana Magnolia)
This evergreen species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 or Sunset growing zones 9, 14-24, H1 and H2 and is slow-growing to around 6-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide at maturity. Leaves are glossy and leathery, and flowers are creamy yellow with a thin dark border (in a purple-brown color). Flowers are powerfully fragrant and bloom most heavily in spring with sporadic blooms appearing through summertime. This species gets is common names from the fact that the flowers smell of Banana fruits. This is a great selection for entryways and patios. Cultivars include 'Port Wine' (with rose-maroon flowers), 'Purple Queen' (with deep burgundy to purple flowers with a spicy fragrance), 'Hagiwara Everblooming' (with a much longer blooming season than the straight species), 'Lilac Marble' (cold-hardy with pale lilac flowers), 'Royal Robes' (with pink-maroon blooms) and 'Serendipity' (good for garden cultivation).

Magnolia x foggii (Michelia x foggi) (Hybrid Banana Shrub, Banana Shrub)
This evergreen shrub grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 or Sunset growing zones 9 and 14-24, and includes crosses between Magnolia figo and Magnolia doltsopa. Commonly grown varieties include 'Allspice' (15-18 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with glossy dark green leaves and light yellow, maroon-bordered flowers that smell fruity), and 'Jack Fogg' (Pictured; to 18 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with white (bordered with purple-pink) fragrant spring flowers.

Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay, Evergreen Magnolia, Large-Flower Magnolia, Big Laurel)
This evergreen species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-12, 14-24, H1 and H2. Flowers are pure white and age to a buff color, are large and fragrant, and bloom through summer and fall. These trees are great lawn or street trees, and are also great in containers and as espalier. They can reach up to 80 feet tall and 60 feet wide at maturity, and can be grown as single or multi-trunked trees. Foliage is glossy and leathery. This species is native to the southeastern United States, and is considered invasive in Russia, Uruguay, Italy, and certain regions of the United States. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Bracken's Brown Beauty'
To 35 feet tall and 15 feet wide with a pyramid shape, hardy with smaller flowers and leaves.

'D. D. Blanchard'
To 50 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide. Glossy dark green leaves that are brown-orange on undersides.

'Edith Bogue'
Vigorous to 35 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Hardy with a handsome shape; keep out of strong winds.

'Little Gem'
Slow-grower to 20-25 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, with small flowers. Narrow form good for containers, espaliers, tight spaces.

'Majestic Beauty'
Very large flowers; great street or shade tree. To 35-50 feet tall and 20 feet wide with a pyramid shape.

'St. Mary'
To 20 feet tall, though in old age can grow larger. Blooms profusely, and is a great choice for smaller gardens.

'Victoria'
20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, with good cold hardiness. Keep out of strong winds. Leaves are dark green, broad, and heavy.

Magnolia guatemalensis (Mamey, Honduran Magnolia)
This evergreen species is native to Guatemala, El Salvador, Chiapas, and Honduras, where it grows in highlands and mountain ranges, including Cloud Forests. It reaches about 50 feet tall at maturity, and produces flowers from February through late May. Blooms are white to pink. Best in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11.

Magnolia spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Magnolia)
These trees and shrubs were bred for their resistances, size, and flowers. They can be evergreen or deciduous, and are listed and described below:

'Anne Rosse'
White flowers flushed red on the outside. 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Deciduous.

'Apollo'
To 20 feet tall with large pink flowers. Deciduous.

'Athene'
Deciduous with ivory white flowers; to 16-20 feet tall.

'Butterflies'
Deciduous with yellow flowers to 15-20 feet tall and a little less wide.

'Daybreak'
To 20-25 feet tall and 6-12 feet wide. Columnar form with pink flowers. Deciduous.

'Elizabeth'
Deciduous with soft yellow blossoms to 25-35 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide.

'Galaxy'
20-35 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide. Deciduous with pink blooms.

'Little Girl' Series
Includes eight deciduous shrubs or trees to 10-15 feet tall. Late spring bloom.

'Pegasus'
To 15-20 feet tall, deciduous with white flowers.

'Royal Crown'
To 10-15 feet tall, fast growing with large pink and white flowers. Deciduous.

'Star Wars'
15-30 feet tall with rose-pink blossoms to 11 in. across. Deciduous.

'Sundance'
Deciduous tree to 15-30 feet tall. Cream-yellow blooms.

'Timeless Beauty'
Evergreen compact tree to 15-20 feet tall and wide. White flowers.

'Vulcan'
Ruby red to pink 10-12 in. blooms on a 15-30 foot tall, 10 foot wide tree. Deciduous.

'Yellow Lantern'
Lemon-yellow blooms on a deciduous tree to 15-30 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide.

Magnolia kobus (Kobus Magnolia, Northern Japanese Magnolia, Kobushi Magnolia, コブシ, 辛夷)
This deciduous species does well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-24 and reaches 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity. It is native to forests and mountain ranges in Japan and South Korea. This is a cold-hardy species, and can be planted either singly or in groupings. Before leaves emerge in the beginning to middle of spring, buds pop open, revealing white, slightly fragrant blossoms. Cultivars of this species include 'Norman Gould' (polyploid prized for blooming when young), 'Borealis' (hardiest form with abundant spring blooms), and 'Kewensis' (with slightly nodding white flowers).

Magnolia liliiflora (Magnolia quinquepeta) (Lily Magnolia, Mulan Magnolia, 木兰, Purple Magnolia, Red Magnolia, Tulip Magnolia, Woody-Orchid, Xin Yihua, 辛夷花)
This deciduous species, native to southwestern and central regions of China, has tulip-shaped, highly fragrant flowers that are white on the inside and purplish outside that bloom over a long season in spring and summertime. Reaches 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and is great for shrub borders. Slowly spreads via suckers. Cultivars include 'Gracilis' (slender habit with narrow leaves and rich deep purple blooms), 'Nigra' (with dark red-purple flowers to 13 feet tall) and 'O'Neil' (with large blooms).

Magnolia x loebneri (Loebner Magnolia)
This group of deciduous hybrids are crosses between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata, and grow best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-24. They slowly reach 12-15 feet tall and wide, though they can eventually reach 50 feet tall if given enough space, and can be grown as trees or multi-stemmed shrubs. Flowers appear before leafout. These hybrids are perfect for lawn areas, shrub borders, or planted along woodland edges. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Ballerina'
15-20 feet tall with white flowers blushed with pink.

'Leonard Messel'
To 15-20 feet tall and almost as wide with pink and white flowers.

'Merrill' ('Dr. Merrill')
to 20-30 feet tall with white blooms tinted pink that smell like Melon.

'Spring Joy'
To 20-30 feet tall with 5-6 inch white flowers.

'Neil McEacharn'
To 30 feet tall with star-like flowers.

'Spring Snow'
20-30 feet tall with pure white blossoms.

Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf Magnolia, Large-Leaved Cucumber Tree, Umbrella Tree, Great-Leaved Macrophylla)
Native to the southeastern, eastern and south-central regions of the United States, this deciduous species is suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-21. This species produces white flowers that bloom after leafout in late spring and early summer. They are showy trees that slowly reach up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity and need some shade in warmer climates to perform well.

Magnolia salicifolia (Willow-Leaved Magnolia, Anise Magnolia)
This deciduous species produces white slightly fragrant blossoms before leafout in midspring on a 30 foot tall, 20 foot wide frame. Foliage emits an anise or lemon-like scent when crushed. New leaves are copper red. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-24. Cultivars include 'Wadas Memory' (with bronze new foliage that turns gold in fall and 7-inch white flowers), 'Else Frye' (conical, vigorous grower with copper new foliage and white blooms), and 'Jermyns' (spreading shrub to 15 feet tall with white flowers).

Magnolia sargentiana (Sargent's Magnolia)
This deciduous species is native to temperate, wet forests and mountains in south-central China and is suited for USDA hardiness zones zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 5-9 and 14-24. It is a very showy Magnolia; flowers are huge, mauve-pink, and bloom mid to late spring before leafout. This species reaches 35 feet tall and wide and needs ample room to grow to its full size potential. Cultivars include 'Blood Moon' (upright, reaching 45 feet tall with pink flowers), and 'Bret Eisenhut' (with clear pink 12-inch wide flowers).

Magnolia sieboldii (Oyama Magnolia, Siebold's Magnolia, Korean Mountain Magnolia, Heavenly Maiden Flower, Celestial Maiden Flower, 天女花)
This species is suited for USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24. It forms a deciduous tree ideal for small gardens (topping out around 6-15 feet tall and just as wide). Flowers are white and have crimson stamens, blooming in late spring through late summer. They are followed by bright pink seedpods. Plant this species on a hill, where its branching pattern and flowers can be admired from below. Performs best in partial shade. Cultivars include 'Colossus' (fast-growing with large flowers), 'Harold Epstein' (semi-double to double white blooms), 'Michiko Renge' (with white flowers that have deep red centers to 10-15 feet tall), 'Angel Eyes' (to 10 feet tall with an extended blooming periods), and 'Charles Coates' (with white flowers that have crimson stamens).

Magnolia x soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia, Tulip Tree, Tulip Magnolia, Chinese Magnolia, Japanese Magnolia)
This deciduous species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-10 and 12-24 and reaches 25 feet tall and wide at maturity. Fragrant flowers emerge in late winter, lasting until spring and are white to pinkish-purple-red. This tree is great as a lawn plant, or a good anchor plant in large containers arrangements. Leaves are green and coarse. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Alba Superba' ('Alba')
Flowers are white, and bloom early in the season. Upright habit.

'Black Tulip'
Deep red blooms, tree reaches 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Can be a container plant when young and pruned as a hedge if desired.

'Brozzonii'
White flowers flushed purple at the base bloom late in the season. Vigorous grower.

'Lennei'
Very large flowers that are purple outside, white inside. Spreading, vigorous plant.

'Lilliputian'
Compact, to 18 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, with pink flowers that are white on the interior. Late bloomer.

'Rustica Rubra'
Large, deep red-purple flowers that bloom in midseason. Dark rose seedpods follow blooms.

'San Jose'
Very early bloomer with large white flowers that are blushed with pink.

Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia, Starry Magnolia, Magnolia Bush)
This deciduous species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-24. Flowers are white and bloom profusely in late winter and early springtime. Some varieties have fragrant blooms, others do not. Shrubby habit reaching up to 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide when mature. Great for borders, entryways, shrub gardens, and woodland edges. Fall leaf color is yellow-brown.

'Centennial'
Upright to 25 feet tall with white-pink flowers.

'Gold Star'
Upright with cream-yellow blooms. Does well in urban environments.

'Jane Platt'
With light pink flowers to 10-15 feet tall.

'Rosea' ('Pink Star')
Blush to light pink flowers fade to white. 10-15 feet tall.

'Royal Star'
Abundant white double flowers from pink buds.
10-20 feet tall.

'Waterlily'
Highly fragrant flowers with long petals. To 10-15 feet.

Magnolia x veitchii (Veitch Magnolia)
This hybrid species is deciduous, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24. Trees bloom profusely in mid-spring. Flowers are white flushed with pink. Veitch Magnolia quickly reaches 30-40 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Protect these trees from strong winds as branches are brittle. Cultivars include 'Colombus' (30-35 feet tall and half as wide, good for urban settings), 'Helen Fogg' (elegant white flowers), 'Isca' (bright pink buds reveal white flowers on a compact tree), and 'Highdown' (large, pale pink flowers and lovely fall color with stronger growth than the straight species).

Magnolia virginiana (Sweet Bay, Sweetbay Magnolia, Swamp Magnolia, Swamp Bay, White Bay, Beaver Tree, Laurel Magnolia)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24, and can reach 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity. It takes the form of a large evergreen to semi-evergreen tree in mild climates and is more shrubby in cooler areas. Flowers are creamy white and fragrant and leaves are bright green with white undersides. Twigs and branches are also bright green. Needs moist, acidic soil to perform well. Popular variety 'Moonglow', also called 'Jim Wilson', was bred for increased hardiness and reaches 35-40 feet tall and 15-18 feet wide. This variety has glossy dark green leaves, grows quickly and blooms young.

Magnolia wilsonii (Wilson Magnolia, Xikang Magnolia, 西康玉兰)
This deciduous tree produces fragrant, pendulous white flowers with red stamens in late springtime. This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24, and forms a spreading shrub or tree 25 feet tall and just as wide. Performs best in light shade.

Caring for magnolia

Magnolia trees typically thrive in full sun conditions, so choose a spot in the landscape for the tree that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. They can tolerate some partial shade, especially when young, but will flower more profusely in full sun. Ensure that trees have enough space to grow, as these are typically quite large landscape trees or shrubs. Their roots can be invasive, depending on the variety and how closely it is planted to structures or areas with poured concrete. Smaller evergreen varieties being planted as a dense privacy hedge can be spaced 3 to 5 feet apart. Trees should be planted between 20 and 50 feet away from homes. They prefer to have well-draining soils that are acidic to neutral, with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0. If local soils are clayey or overly compacted, make sure to amend them with plenty of sand and/or organic material before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs, ensuring that it stays a few inches away from the trunk of the tree. This will help to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and help to regulate soil temperatures.

Water newly planted Magnolia trees regularly as they establish a strong root system. Once established, these trees are drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for much of the year with supplemental waterings applied during extended periods of drought. Prevent overwatering, as Magnolias do not like to sit in soggy soils. Fertilize trees in early spring by applying a generous amount of organic compost around their base. This should be enough to support the growth and flowering seasons. Prune Magnolia trees after they finish flowering, which is usually in late spring to early summertime. This will ensure that next season's flower buds are not removed. At the same time, remove any dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches and open up the canopy a bit to increase airflow. Avoid cutting trees back too much; they naturally have a beautiful shape, and do not really need much pruning. Magnolias are very long-lived trees when cared for properly, and can survive in the landscape for over a century.

Propagation

Magnolia trees and shrubs can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Magnolia tree or shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Magnolia by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In early summertime (for deciduous varieties) or late summer to fall (for evergreen varieties), choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this tree or shrub has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6-8 inch softwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Magnolia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed pods of Magnolia trees are easy to spot; they are reddish, and will fall from the tree when mature. They will split open naturally, spilling the seeds. Once the seeds are out, soak them in water for 1 to 2 days. Remove them from the water and rub off the fleshy, oily outer pulp.
Magnolia seeds will need a period of cold-stratification in order to germinate. To complete this process, first place seeds in a bag or other sealable container filled with moistened sand or peat moss. Then, place the container in the refrigerator (or similarly cool, dark space) for 3-6 months. The ideal temperature for cold-stratification is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. After this period has passed, remove seeds from the container to sow them.
Water a prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place the seeds about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Magnolia seeds are typically waxy and bright red, and are stored in pockets in the fruits produced in September and October.

There are typically between 2 and 60 seeds within each Magnolia fruit, which is called a follicetum.

Problems and Pests

Certain species of Magnolia are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Magnolia trees can be affected by a number of pests and diseases in the landscape, including: