With their stunning, fragrant blooms showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors – from vibrant yellows and pinks to pure whites, rich purples, and bold reds – it’s no wonder magnolias have captured the hearts of garden enthusiasts worldwide. These versatile plants not only provide a pop of color but also offer an air of elegance, making them a prized addition to any outdoor space.
As you’d expect from such a showy display, magnolias come in various forms – shrub-like and arboreal – with foliage that can be evergreen or deciduous. The leaves themselves boast a remarkable range of sizes and hues, further adding to the plant’s visual appeal.
But what really sets magnolias apart is their ease of cultivation and maintenance. They require minimal fuss, making them an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
And when they bloom, you can expect a profusion of flowers that will leave your yard looking resplendent – the leaves themselves even contributing to the visual feast.
So, if you’re seeking a reliable way to inject some vibrancy into your garden, look no further than magnolias.
What are Magnolias?
With a history dating back to prehistoric times, magnolias have been thriving for millions of years. Initially, they relied on beetles for pollination since bees hadn’t yet evolved. Today, there are over 200 species within the Magnolia genus, with many native varieties found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates across North, Central, and South America, Asia, and the Caribbean.
The sheer diversity of magnolias means that you’re likely to find a suitable species for your local climate, regardless of where you are in the world. In fact, different species and cultivars can be grown in USDA Growing Zones 3 to 10, making it easy to find one that will thrive in your area. Simply visit a local nursery, which typically carries a selection of magnolias that will do well in your specific region.
8 of The Best Magnolias to Grow
When cultivating magnolias in your home garden, it’s likely that you’ll encounter one or more of these eight species. While there may be many others to consider, this selection represents a solid foundation for a thriving magnolia collection.
Southern Magnolia
The southern magnolia (M. grandiflora) is a prominent evergreen known for its upright growth habit, which can reach heights of over 60 feet. Its flowers range in color from pure white to creamy hues, although hybrids and cultivars may exhibit pink or yellow tones. This species is renowned for its prolific blooming cycle, producing flowers throughout late spring, summer, and into the fall season.
To thrive, southern magnolias require full sun to partial shade and are best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10. Interestingly, this plant has its origins in the southeastern United States, where it is native.
Star Magnolia
The star magnolia, with its modest height of around 20 feet, is a deciduous variety that signals the arrival of spring with its early and reliable blooming. As a slow-growing tree, it’s always a pleasure to watch it unfurl its blossoms. The real showstopper comes in fall, however, when bright orange seed pods burst forth, drawing birds to your garden like a magnet.
Native to Asia but thriving in growing zones 4 to 9, this magnolia is an excellent choice for those looking to add some Asian flair to their outdoor space.
Saucer Magnolia
As a deciduous species, saucer magnolias exhibit a unique growth habit, typically forming a multi-stemmed shrub. However, with proper training during its youthful stages, this plant can be coaxed into developing a single trunk, resembling a tree. The foliage is characterized by large, green leaves that provide a striking contrast to the vibrant pink or white blooms.
Despite their relatively short flowering period of around two weeks, these blossoms are undoubtedly showstoppers, which has contributed to the popularity of this species among magnolia enthusiasts. With mature specimens reaching heights and widths of up to 25 feet, it’s essential to allocate sufficient space for this sprawling beauty. One aspect that sets saucer magnolias apart is their sudden, yet dramatic, flower drop.
Unlike some other varieties that gradually shed petals over an extended period, these magnolias release their blooms all at once, leaving a trail of petal debris in their wake. This can result in a messy situation if not properly cleaned up, with the potential for slippery surfaces and unpleasant sliminess.
Champaca Magnolia
In the realm of Southeast Asian flora, one species stands out for its intoxicating blooms and widespread use in perfumery. Unlike some flowering trees that confine their blossoms to tips or ends of branches, Champaca (M. champaca) boasts an abundance of fragrant flowers along its entire branch structure. The showy blooms can manifest in a range of colors, including creamy whites, vibrant yellows, and sun-kissed oranges, often blending together in beautiful harmony.
While spring is typically the prime time for Champaca trees to burst into bloom, they also have a delightful tendency to surprise us with random winter displays. This species is known to grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 30 feet and spreading out equally as wide, though it’s not uncommon for them to reach even greater dimensions.
For those looking to cultivate magnolias in more compact spaces, the Champaca tree offers a most appealing option.
Sweetbay Magnolia
While its name may not be as charming as some other flowering plants, the swamp magnolia (M. virginiana) is actually a stunning shrub or tree. Native to North America, this species has the unique ability to thrive in various climates, producing evergreen or deciduous growth depending on your location. One of its most alluring features is the fragrant, white flowers that bloom in the morning and close at night, eventually dropping from the plant a few days later.
With numerous cultivars available, each with its own distinct growth rate and height, there’s a sweetbay variety to suit every region and growing condition. These adaptable magnolias are an excellent choice for gardeners in warm parts of the US.
Cucumber Tree
One of the most resilient magnolia varieties, Magnolia acuminata thrives in colder regions and can reach an impressive 70 feet in height when grown wild. Its winter hardiness extends to Zone 4, making it an ideal choice for gardeners in these areas. Hailing from eastern North America, this species is often hybridized with others to create unique cultivars. The trees’ trunks can be quite massive, and their flowers are characterized by distinctive fruit cones.
The yellow-green blooms themselves measure up to three inches in length. While the tree grows at a leisurely pace of approximately two feet per year, it’s a slow but steady grower that rewards patience with its beauty.
Kobus Magnolia
Kobus, another member of the same family as star magnolia, exhibits remarkable hardiness against extreme temperatures. Its blooms are particularly fragrant, filling the air with a sweet scent. However, if late frosts occur when the plant is actively producing leaves and buds, they may cause damage to the foliage.
As a smaller variety, Kobus is an ideal choice for landscaping purposes. While it grows slowly, it can reach up to 25 feet in ideal conditions.
One notable characteristic of this species is its tendency to form multiple trunks naturally. For those who prefer a single-trunked plant, selecting a central leader from the outset is recommended.
Sargent Magnolia
Sargent magnolia (M. sargentiana) shares a deciduous family with the saucer magnolia, but it has distinct requirements. Unlike its relative, Sargent magnolia dislikes strong winds and coastal exposure, making it sensitive to salt spray and frost. In fact, a late frost can be devastating for the tree’s blossoms, making protection crucial. When planting this species, choose a sheltered location to ensure optimal growth.
One of its most notable features is its impressive height, reaching up to 70 feet tall. However, Sargent magnolia trees may take years to bloom, so patience is necessary. The flowers themselves can grow up to 10 inches across, making them a stunning sight once they finally emerge.
Propagating Magnolia
While there are various techniques for propagating magnolias, I find simplicity is key. For those familiar with air layering, this method can be a great option. However, I’ve found success and ease of use with the cutting method, which I prefer to utilize.
Growing Magnolia Cuttings
To propagate young branches, start by taking a 10-inch cutting from the end of the branch. Immediately place the cuttings in a jar of water, as they tend to dry out quickly. Remove all leaves except for the top two; if these are large, cut them in half crosswise. Next, prepare a 12-inch container with drainage holes by filling it with rooting medium or seed-raising mix. Dip each cutting into rooting hormone before placing it into the prepared container.
Create a few holes in the medium using a pencil and add the cuttings, spacing them about two inches apart as long as the container is large enough to accommodate this distance. Once the cuttings are in place, thoroughly mist the medium to ensure it’s moist, then cover the container and cuttings with a plastic bag. Position the container in bright, indirect sunlight, avoiding direct sunlight.
Water the cuttings only when the medium feels dry, and within two to four months, the roots should have developed enough for you to plant them out in your garden or a larger container.
How to Care for Magnolia
When planting deciduous magnolias, wait until they’re dormant during late fall or early winter in warm climates, and early to mid-spring in colder regions. Evergreen varieties can be planted in early spring regardless of location. Magnolias thrive in full sun to light shade, with mild areas tolerating a bit more afternoon sunlight. Avoid high-wind zones, as strong gusts can damage the flowers.
Magnolias require regular fertilization; apply well-rotted compost in spring, summer, and fall.
They also benefit from dried coffee grounds. Be mindful of excessive moisture, which can lead to mold development and health issues.
Growing magnolias in containers is feasible, particularly for dwarf cultivars. Just ensure adequate watering and that the growing medium doesn’t dry out.
Target a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.0 when planting in the garden. For container-grown plants, use a potting mix.
Companion Planting for Magnolia
When it comes to pairing plants with magnolias, there’s a variety of options that can complement their grandeur. Consider combining them with other flowering plants like camellias and daffodils, which offer similar elegance and charm. The showy blooms of irises and calla lilies can also create a stunning display alongside magnolias. For some added texture and interest, consider incorporating elephant ears, hostas, or ferns into the mix.
Problems for Growing Magnolias
While magnolias can thrive under the right circumstances, they’re not immune to challenges. In fact, those planted in subpar environments are often more prone to difficulties, making it crucial for growers to understand and address any underlying issues.
Wetwood
Slime flux, also known as wetwood, is a bacterial disease that commonly affects many types of trees and shrubs, including magnolias. The condition is characterized by the presence of a wet, oozing or bleeding patch on the wood. While not typically fatal, wetwood can still have a significant impact on a tree’s overall health over time, causing vigor issues. To help your tree resist serious infection, it’s essential to maintain its overall health and well-being.
This involves ensuring it receives adequate nutrients through proper feeding, as well as pruning any weak or diseased branches and twigs to prevent the spread of disease.
Algal Leaf Spot
Trees with leathery leaves, such as magnolias, can be susceptible to algal leaf spot, a condition that can leave unsightly gray spots on the foliage and give the appearance of disease. This issue is more prevalent in humid weather, as algae thrive in moist environments. It’s essential to water trees at soil level rather than on the leaves themselves. When symptoms arise, apply a copper-based fungicide every 7-10 days to combat the infection.
Additionally, promptly remove infected leaves and dispose of them in trash bags to prevent further spread. As the affected foliage drops to the ground, ensure it’s thoroughly removed from the area to prevent re-infection.
Bacterial Blight
When monitoring your plants for bacterial blight, pay close attention to the weather conditions. The ideal environment for the disease to thrive is in cool, humid weather. Initially, small, watery spots may appear on the foliage, gradually developing into dark, irregularly shaped lesions that can sometimes create holes in the leaf. To combat this issue, consider using copper fungicide every two weeks until you no longer observe any signs of the disease.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to prune heavily infected branches from the tree and dispose of them properly, rather than composting or chopping them, to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, be vigilant when observing your plants after cool rain follows hot, dry weather, as these conditions create an ideal environment for bacterial blight to flourish.
Crown Gall
The onset of crown gall disease is often linked to a specific type of bacteria that gains entry into the plant’s system via natural openings, such as wounds or existing cracks. To learn more about recognizing and managing this issue, refer to our comprehensive guide on crown gall, accessible through this link.
Wood Decay
In older magnolias, fungal infections are often caused by various species of fungi, particularly Armillaria. These pathogens typically enter the plant through cracks or wounds that develop where branches meet the trunk. As the disease progresses, the affected wood can appear wet and rotted.
To treat this issue, start by carefully removing the infected wood with a sharp knife, taking care not to damage surrounding healthy tissue.
Once the wound is clean, spray the area with copper fungicide and let it dry completely before applying an alcohol-based treatment. This dual-pronged approach can help prevent further infection.
To promote overall health and encourage recovery, be sure to provide your magnolia plant with a well-balanced fertilizer and adequate water. With proper care, the affected area should begin to heal, and the tree will regain its natural beauty.
Best Uses
When it comes to incorporating magnolias into your garden design, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re working with a compact tree, a shrub, or a majestic specimen, these beautiful plants can serve as a show-stopping centerpiece, provide dappled shade, or add a pop of visual interest as an accent. One thing is certain – magnolias bring a unique and special quality to any outdoor space. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, magnolia flowers also offer a delightful culinary surprise.
The petals and central structures (carpels and stamens) are entirely edible. For added crunch and flavor, try pickling the centers, while using the petals in creative ways such as sandwiches, salads, or other dishes. As with any new food, it’s essential to start with a small taste test to ensure you’re not allergic. While all magnolias are technically edible, not every variety will delight your palate.
