How do I identify a magnolia tree?
Individual magnolia varieties have their own distinctive flowers. You can also recognize magnolia trees by their long, elongated leaves with a smooth, shiny surface. Magnolia trees are also recognized by their fruit that looks like small cones containing red seeds.
What is special about magnolia trees?
Magnolia trees are prized for their large flowers that perfume the balmy spring air with a sweet, heady fragrance. Their magnificent tulip- or star-shaped flowers can be as large as saucers when fully opened. They range in color from pink, purple, white and even yellow. Some varieties have double blossoms.
How big does magnolia tree get?
Mature Size The southern magnolia grows to a height of 60–80' and a spread of around 40' at maturity.
Are magnolias good trees?
Most magnolias are excellent lawn trees; try to provide a good-size grass-free area around the trunk, and don't plant under the tree. Balled-and-burlapped plants are available in late winter and early spring; container plants are sold all year.
Is a magnolia tree messy?
Southern Magnolia We know, we know: Everyone loves a magnolia. But hear us out: Many magnolias grow far too big for the average yard. Leaf drop happens year-round, which means that the addition of a magnolia ups the messy-yard factor significantly.
Where is the best place to plant a magnolia tree?
full sunMagnolias prefer a spot in the garden that receives full sun to light shade. That said, if you live in a particularly warm or dry climate, your magnolia might benefit from a location shaded from the hot afternoon sun.
How long does it take for a magnolia tree to grow to full size?
Considerations When Growing Magnolias Cultivar and growth rate may dictate that a magnolia attains maturity in between 10 to 30 years, but conditions of soil, moisture and environment might oblige the tree to take longer.
Can you keep a magnolia tree small?
Always prune between mid-summer and early autumn when the leaves are fully open. If you need to limit the size of your magnolia, aim to maintain an open crown with a uniform shape. It's better to cut back to a fork or the trunk, which gives a better appearance.
How quickly does a magnolia tree grow?
A magnolia bush or tree is a long-term investment – they are slow growing and can take 10-20 years to reach their ultimate size. It's therefore worth taking the time to choose the right variety for your garden. The flowers, ultimate size and the conditions in your garden will determine which magnolia you grow.
Where should you not plant a magnolia tree?
Magnolias prefer full sun to light shade. If you live in a particularly warm or dry climate, your magnolia might benefit from a location shaded from the hot afternoon sun. If possible, avoid exposed, windy locations because strong winds can damage large flowers and the typically brittle branches.
How far away from my house should I plant a magnolia tree?
Determining how far from your home you should plant a magnolia tree is no easy feat. However, it's best to measure about 50 feet away from your house to ensure you don't run into trouble as the tree matures.
Do magnolia trees smell?
Magnolia has a sweet floral fragrance that's lightly fruity, with some comparing the scent to that of Champagne. Its fresh yet relaxing aroma makes it incredibly popular in aromatherapy.
Are magnolia trees poisonous?
Magnolia trees are not considered toxic to dogs, cats or horses. However, there are other plants you want to avoid around pets, including the sago palm, which is a species of cycad. This plant contains chemicals that are toxic to the nervous system and can cause paralysis, seizures and even death.
Why is magnolia called magnolia?
The name Magnolia first appeared in 1703 in the Genera of Charles Plumier (1646–1704), for a flowering tree from the island of Martinique (talauma). It was named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol.
How long do magnolia trees live?
80– 120 yearsIt has a conical crown that grows approximately 50–90 ft tall and 2–4 ft in diameter; and it may live 80– 120 years (Maisenhelder, 1970; MFC, 2007). Some southern magnolias may grow as wide as tall (Dirr, 1998).
What is the most beautiful magnolia tree?
Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata) Considered one of the most beautiful Magnolias, Magnolia denudata is a large deciduous shrub or small tree. Upright and cup-shaped when borne, its creamy to ivory white flowers gracefully open their 9-12 tepals as they mature, resembling lilies.
What is a magnolia tree?
Often considered classic trees and shrubs symbolizing the South, Magnolia is a remarkably diverse genus of plants that includes many species suitable for colder climates. Magnolias are generally known for having large, leathery leaves and impressive white or pink flowers that appear very early in spring—often before the leaves even emerge.
How big are magnolias in the summer?
The elliptical leaves are large and leathery, up to 10 inches long, and the white flowers appearing in mid-summer to early autumn can be as much as 12 inches across. While most magnolias prefer full sun but tolerate some shade, this is a magnolia that actually does best in part shade. Native Area: Southeastern U.S.
What is the name of the state flower of Louisiana?
When people think of magnolias or read about them in novels of the antebellum South, the southern magnolia is very likely the plant that comes to mind. This magnolia's flower is the state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi. Southern magnolia is a large evergreen tree that needs lots of space.
How long are big leaf magnolia leaves?
Bigleaf magnolia lives up to its name, producing leaves that can be up to 32 inches long. Like most magnolias, it is normally a deciduous tree, though it can be somewhat evergreen in the warmer zones. The blooms, which normally appear in May, are as much as 10 inches across and are white with purple petal bases.
Where are Kobus magnolias native to?
Kobus magnolia is one of the parent species (Stella magnolia is the other) that together produce the Loebner magnolia. Native Area: Japan, Korea. USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8.
How big are umbrella magnolias?
The umbrella magnolia is named for the enormous shiny leaves (up to 24 inches long and 10 inches across), which droop down around the ends of the branches. This is a multi-stemmed small tree; its native habitat is the understory forests of Appalachia, so this is a plant that does very well in shady locations. The creamy white flowers, 6 to 10 inches across, appear just after the leaves emerge around late spring to early summer. While they're fragrant, they're not particularly sweet-smelling.
What is an anise magnolia?
Anise Magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia) Garden Photo World/Georgianna Lane/Getty Images. The anise magnolia has leaves that look somewhat like those of a willow tree or shrub. They are wider than willow leaves but not as wide as the usual magnolia leaf (another common name is willow-leaf magnolia ).
What is the color of magnolia trees?
Their magnificent tulip- or star-shaped flowers can be as large as saucers when fully opened. They range in color from pink, purple, white and even yellow. Some varieties have double blossoms.
How big do magnolias get?
Star magnolias (Magnolia stellata) are early blooming, compact, deciduous shrubs that grow 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. 'Centennial' is a cultivar which features 5-inch flowers with a soft pink blush.
What is the first magnolia to bloom?
Magnolia ×soulangeana, commonly known as saucer magnolias are the first to bloom in spring and have huge 5- to 10-inch flowers. They are compact, deciduous, low-branched trees that will grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet and are cold-hardy to Zone 5. 'Brozzonii', a popular saucer magnolia cultivar, has large white flowers with lavender-pink bases.
What are the different types of magnolia trees?
Here are some of the most well-known types of magnolia trees: Southern magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora) Saucer magnolia ( Magnolia ×soulangiana) Star magnolia ( Magnolia stellata)
What is the oldest flowering plant?
Magnolias are believed to be the earliest known flowering plants, with their fossils dating back over 100 million years. Magnolia trees even existed before bees, so they rely on beetles for pollination. Instead of nectar, the flowers produce large quantities of pollen that the beetles use for food.
How far do magnolias spread?
They have wide-spread, shallow root systems that can be easily damaged during transplanting. Larger magnolias have branch spreads of 30 to 40 feet, making them useful as shade trees in larger yards.
How tall do magnolias grow?
Sizes range from 15-foot shrubs to massive trees that can reach heights of 80 feet or more .
When do gold star magnolias bloom?
This gold star magnolia tree is a cross of acuminata and stellata. Its large, star-shaped, creamy-yellow flowers are very fragrant and bloom in mid to late spring.
What is a little girl tree?
Small, shrubby trees known as the little girl hybrids were created when Magnolia lilliflora was crossed with Magnolia stellata. They're a good choice for small yards as they range from about 10 to 15 feet high. These later bloomers show themselves in mid spring and will sometimes bloom sporadically throughout the summer.
How tall does Marillyn grow?
Similar to the little girl hybrids, Marillyn is a hybrid resulting from a cross of Magnolias kobus and liliiflora. It grows from about 8 to 15 feet tall and is considered very hardy. I love the deep, rich colors of its tulip-shaped blooms and its light fragrance.
When does an ivory chalice bloom?
This is a medium-sized tree that blooms from mid spring to early summer. pinterest-pin-it. Closeup of an ivory chalice magnolia bloom.
When do spruce trees bloom?
They grow to be between 10 and 15 feet tall and bloom in late winter or early spring.
Does Vancouver BC have magnolias?
what a splendid hub! Vancouver BC used to have a lot of natural magnolias growing throughout the city, some ancient specimens. There are very few left because of 'progress and development'. I'm promoting your page on Twitter.
What are the colors of magnolia leaves?
Examine the colors of the upper sides and lower sides of magnolia leaves. Sweetbay have shiny green leaves above, with the lower side a whitish hue. Pyramid magnolia leaves are a yellow-green on top, but a paler shade of that below. The cucumber tree has green leaves, but the undersides are pale compared to their upper surface.
What magnolias have rounded leaves?
Southern magnolia have oval leaves with a short point on the tip, and those of pyramid magnolia taper to a more pronounced point on the ends. The tips of bigleaf magnolia have a rounded appearance or, at the most, a blunted tip. Examine the colors of the upper sides and lower sides of magnolia leaves. Sweetbay have shiny green leaves above, ...
How big are magnolias?
Some, such as bigleaf magnolia, are as long as 30 inches and as wide as 10 inches. Other magnolias with exceptionally large foliage include species such as the umbrella magnolia and Ashe magnolia. Magnolias with leaves in the 10-inch long range include the Southern magnolia, Fraser magnolia and cucumber tree. ...
What kind of tree has smaller leaves?
The sweetbay tree, yellow magnolia and pyramid magnolia have smaller leaves, about 5 to 6 inches in length. Inspect the shapes of magnolia leaves. The yellow poplar has the nickname of tuliptree, in part because the leaves have the shape of a tulip flower’s unmistakable silhouette.
Where do magnolia trees grow?
Nine different species of magnolia trees exist in the wild in North America, according to the “Trees of North America.”. These trees produce fragrant and large showy flowers as well as elongated cones of berrylike fruits. All of the magnolias are native to the eastern half of the United States, with the ranges of several types overlapping.
When do magnolia leaves fall off?
The leaves of sweetbay, in the northern portion of the tree’s range, fall off in autumn, but stay on the branches until spring when new ones grow in where the tree grows in the Deep South. The rest of the magnolias are deciduous, dropping their foliage in the fall months. Look at other aspects of magnolia leaves.
Is a cucumber tree evergreen?
The cucumber tree has green leaves, but the undersides are pale compared to their upper surface. Watch if magnolia leaves remain on the tree or fall off to help decide what species to which they belong. The Southern magnolia is evergreen, with its leaves staying on year round.
What do Mountain Magnolia Trees Look Like?
Magnolia trees are known for having very shallow root systems that are wide-spreading. Some may consider these roots as being invasive because they will travel wherever there is a water source. Say that the water source was a crack in some plumbing piping, they could certainly do damage.
How tall do magnolia trees get?
Mountain magnolia trees are a smaller magnolia species. Whereas some will grow to be over 30 meters tall, the mountain magnolia will commonly only gain heights of 15 meters. They have rather narrow trunks that can be anywhere from 12-16 inches, depending on the height of the tree.
What are Some Other Magnolia Tree Species?
Bigleaf magnolia trees are native to the southeastern United States and northern Mexico. They have both the largest leaves and the largest flowers of any tree that is native to North America. Leaves can be over 30 inches long, with a tree height of 20 meters.
What is the purpose of magnolia trees?
Mountain magnolia trees really only have one purpose, and that is to be looked at. These trees have high ornamental value for their large glossy leaves, beautiful crown shape, and of course, their incredibly showy white flowers.
Why are magnolia trees invasive?
Some may consider these roots as being invasive because they will travel wherever there is a water source. Say that the water source was a crack in some plumbing piping, they could certainly do damage.
What is the name of the mountain magnolia tree?
Magnolia Fraseri. You may have heard the mountain magnolia tree called by a different name. Folks also call it a mountain-oread, an ear leaf cucumbertree, and sometimes the Fraser magnolia tree as well. The scientific name for this tree comes from a Scottish botanist named John Fraser, who is responsible for bringing many wonderful North American ...
How long does it take for a magnolia tree to produce flowers?
Sexual Maturity. Mountain magnolia trees will start to produce flowers after about 10 years of age and will experience good seed crops every 4-5 years after that. They will experience their most productive years up until the age of 50. Magnolia trees will live to be 80-120 years old depending on the species.
What do magnolia seed pods look like?
Magnolia seed pods, which resemble exotic-looking cones, spread open to reveal bright red berries, and the tree comes to life with birds, squirrels, and other wildlife that relish these tasty fruits.
How to harvest magnolia seeds?
Harvesting Magnolia Seed Pods. When harvesting the magnolia seed pods for the collection of its seeds , you must pick the berries from the pod when they are bright red and fully ripe . Remove the fleshy berry from the seeds and soak the seeds in lukewarm water overnight. The next day, remove the outer coating from the seed by rubbing it ...
Can magnolias be hybrids?
Before you go to the trouble of harvesting magnolia seed pods, try to determine whether the parent tree is a hybrid. Hybrid magnolias don ’t breed true, and the resulting tree may not resemble the parent.
Can you grow magnolias from seed?
Propagating Magnolia Seeds. In addition to transplanting and growing a magnolia seedling, you can also try your hand at growing magnolias from seed. Propagating magnolia seeds takes a little extra effort because you can’t buy them in packets. Once the seeds dry out, they are no longer viable, so in order to grow a magnolia tree from seed, ...
How tall is a magnolia tree?
The star magnolia ( Magnolia stellata) is a deciduous flowering tree that normally reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet at maturity, with a slightly smaller spread. The star shape of its white flowers gives it both its common name and scientific name.
When does magnolia bloom?
It blooms in March or April, making it one of the true harbingers of spring. Fuzzy, pussy-willow-like buds precede the spring display of mildly fragrant flowers . Star magnolia has a rounded habit and can be grown into a tree form with pruning.
What are the odd growths on magnolia trees?
No need to worry, though: Those odd lumps are just the pods in which star magnolia tree seeds are contained .
What is the best soil for star magnolia?
Select a site that is well-drained, has acidic soil, and is located in full sun to partial shade. It flowers best in full sun. Plant in a loamy soil enriched with humus.
Can you prune a star magnolia tree?
If desired, you can prune away the lower growth as it emerges on an established star magnolia tree, while letting the rounded, spreading crown become dense. On the one hand, you don't want strong March winds whipping around the flowers too much, because that will cause them to drop their petals prematurely.
Do Japanese magnolias grow as bushes?
Although usually classified as a tree, Japanese magnolias often exhibit a tendency to grow as multi-stemmed shrubs or bushes. If you wish to avoid this look, prune away any suckers so as to train your specimen to assume a tree form.
Do you prune magnolias after blooming?
The plant blooms on old wood (last year's growth), so prune it more or less immediately after blossoming to avoid losing next year's flowers. People don't generally prune magnolias much (although M. stellata is sometimes a bit more tolerant of pruning than other members of its genus). If desired, you can prune away the lower growth as it emerges on ...
Why is my magnolia tree not opening?
The failure to open is usually the result of poor weather conditions—too much rain or temperatures that are too cold. Another possible cause is an invasion by an insect called a thrip . Q. This Fall, I've Found Some Funny-Looking Bumps on My Magnolia Trees.
Do magnolias need water?
Magnolias grown in containers require plenty of sun light, proper nutritional supplements to the soil, and appropriate watering.
