Where should I plant a southern magnolia tree?
Southern magnolia trees prefer a planting location that receives at least six to eight hours of full sun per day. To plant, start by digging a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly. Southern magnolia trees prefer well-drained soil.
How to plant a southern magnolia?
- Grows up to 60-80 ft. ...
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in organically rich, moist, preferably neutral to acid, well-drained soils. ...
- Perfect as a specimen plant.
- Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. ...
- No routine pruning necessary. ...
- Older leaves drop during late spring and summer. ...
Where do southern magnolia trees grow?
Southern magnolia primarily grows in the southeastern US and the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain in USDA Hardiness Zone 6–10 (Dirr, 1998). Southern magnolia is native from Maryland south to Florida and west to Texas. Cold-hardy cultivars can be grown as far north as southern Ohio, northern New Jersey, and Long Island.
How fast do southern magnolia trees grow?
The Speed of Growth of a Magnolia Tree
- The Magnolia Tree. The original magnolia tree and some of its varieties grow 25 feet tall at a rate of 24 inches per growing season.
- The Cucumber Tree. Some magnolia trees (M. ...
- Southern Magnolia. Some varieties of southern magnolia trees (M. ...
- Saucer Magnolia. Select varieties of saucer magnolia trees (M. ...
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Is a southern magnolia a deciduous tree?
Southern magnolia is an evergreen, so you'll see those glossy, deep green leaves on the canopy all winter long. But the blossoms are also exceptional. The petals grow in white or ivory and these cup-shaped blooms can grow to over a foot across!
Is a southern magnolia tree deciduous or coniferous?
Southern magnolias are evergreen trees with large, shiny, leathery evergreen leaves and large, fragrant 6-petaled creamy-white flowers that appear on the ends of thick, tough stems all over the tree.
What type of trees are magnolias?
Magnolias belong to the family Magnoliaceae. They're deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs that can most accurately be described as magnificent flowering plants. Magnolia trees are diverse in leaf shape and plant form, and they include both evergreen and deciduous sorts.
Is a southern magnolia a messy tree?
As a landscape plant it is somewhat messy, and will shed its old leaves in spring, and its seedpods in late summer. These leaves can be raked under the tree and used as mulch. If there is evidence of leaf spot on the fallen leaves, those leaves should be raked up and disposed (Gilman and Watson, 1994).
What is the difference between a Sweetbay magnolia and southern magnolia?
Southern magnolia and sweetbay are sometimes confused due to similiarities in foliage and flowers, but are easily distinguished at any time of year by foliage, flowers, or fruit. Although similar, southern magnolia has thicker, tougher foliage that is darker green above; sweetbay leaves are pale underneath.
What does a southern magnolia tree look like?
Characteristics: The Southern Magnolia is a medium to large sized majestic southern evergreen tree with oval-shaped leaves 5-8 inches long and 2-3 inches wide that are green on top and rusty red on the bottom. It is known for its large white fragrant flowers.
Is my magnolia deciduous or evergreen?
deciduousThey are hardy, but prefer a sheltered spot and moist, well-drained soil. Some need slightly acidic or neutral conditions. Many magnolias are deciduous, losing their leaves over winter, but a few are evergreen, with dark glossy leaves all year round.
How can you tell if a magnolia tree is deciduous?
If you are walking about your neighborhood and spy an especially appealing magnolia species, how can you know if it is one of the deciduous magnolia varieties? If the plant is just showing flowers but the leaves have not yet unfurled, it is a deciduous form.
How do you prune a southern magnolia tree?
When pruning your Southern Magnolia, remove the entire twig or limb down to its base. Don't leave a stub that can produce weak stem suckers and make it easier for pests and diseases to attack the tree. Don't paint or tar pruning cuts because it interferes with the plant's own wound defense system.
What is the most popular magnolia tree?
The iconic southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is the most well-known. However, deciduous varieties of the magnolia tree is a flowering plant that can be grown in almost any region of the U.S. With over 200 varieties, there is certainly a breathtaking magnolia tree that will thrive in your yard!
What is special about a magnolia tree?
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 far should a magnolia tree be planted from a house?
about 50 feet awayDetermining 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.
What trees should you not plant near your house?
The worst trees to plant near a house are oak, ash, and poplar trees, as these species are the most likely to cause this type of damage to the foundations of a house. Choosing a smaller tree with a non-invasive root system is the best option for planting near a house.
Is magnolia tree good for backyard?
In the Backyard Whether you have a small or large backyard, a magnolia tree can be the perfect addition to help liven it up. Not only can it add color and character to your backyard, but it can also make it easier to maintain your tree.
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.
Is the Sweetbay Magnolia a messy tree?
Is the sweetbay magnolia a messy tree? It is far less messy than the southern magnolia, which has larger flowers and pods that drop in summer and fall. The sweetbay magnolia is a fairly small tree, and though it blooms generously, the flowers are only 2 to 3 inches and thus make less of a mess when they drop.
How can I tell what kind of magnolia tree I have?
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, with the lower side a whitish hue. Pyramid magnolia leaves are a yellow-green on top, but a paler shade of that below.
How fast does southern magnolia grow?
12" to 24" per yearGrowth Rate This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
What is the difference between a magnolia tree and a magnolia bush?
Regardless of size or shape, a magnolia is a magnolia. The difference basically applies to the number of stems coming from the base of the tree that produce a single-trunked tree shape or the fuller, many-branched look of a shrub.
How long does it take a southern magnolia tree to grow?
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.
Are Southern magnolia trees evergreen?
This tree: Produces creamy white flowers, sometimes up to 12" in diameter, with a rich fragrance. Blooms May through June, with some blossoms throughout the summer months. Is an evergreen, keeping most (but not all) of its leaves year-round.
Do Southern magnolia trees lose their leaves in winter?
Southern Magnolia trees are evergreen so their leaves will stay on and leaf out with beautiful large deep green leaves during the winter.
Does a magnolia lose its leaves in winter?
Many magnolia species are deciduous, which means that they will lose their leaves in the winter months of the year. Evergreen magnolia trees maintain their leaves during this time of the year. In fact, they will keep most of their leaves (but not all of them) all year round.
Do Southern magnolias lose their leaves?
Like other broadleafed evergreen plants (ligustrums, hollies, etc.), southern magnolias drop their leaves in the spring. The only differences are that they do so much later into the spring, and their leaves are so much larger that the browning and yellowing are much more noticeable.
What is a magnolia tree?
Image by nickkurzenko. Southern magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora) is a magnificent tree cultivated for its glossy, green leaves and lovely, white blossoms. Remarkably flexible for an outstanding ornamental, southern magnolia thrives not only in the South but also in the Pacific Northwest.
What is the root system of southern magnolia?
The root system of the southern magnolia is shallow and wide-spreading. Provide adequate irrigation without leaving the soil wet.
What zone do magnolias grow in?
Southern magnolia facts tell you that they thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 10. This means that gardeners in half the nation can cultivate them. On the other hand, you’ll want to find a location with deep, loamy or sandy soil that is acidic or at least pH neutral.
What color are magnolia flowers?
The petals grow in white or ivory and these cup-shaped blooms can grow to over a foot across! Those growing southern magnolia generally rave about the sweet delightful fragrance of the flowers. When the flowers fade, look for brown cones and bright red seeds .
How much sun do magnolias need?
If you want a healthy tree with the maximum number of spring flowers, plant your magnolia in full sun. It will also grow in partial shade as long as it gets at least four hours a day of direct, unfiltered sunlight. If you live in the north, provide the tree protection from winter sun.
Who is the magnolia tree named after?
Magnolias are named after French botanist Pierre Magnol. He spotted the trees and liked them so much that he brought some to Europe three centuries ago. Before you start growing southern magnolias, you need to realize that your slender saplings will mature into very large trees.
Is Southern Magnolia Deciduous or Evergreen?
The leaves are long and leathery, growing up to 10 inches (25.5 cm.) long. Southern magnolia is an evergreen, so you’ll see those glossy, deep green leaves on the canopy all winter long.
How big does Southern magnolia tree grow?
That depends on where it’s growing, but the average tree matures anywhere from 60 to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide after many years. That’s BIG. Fortunately, home gardeners can plant more compact selections that won’t swallow entire an entire yard. They include ‘Teddy Bear’ (16 to 20 feet tall, 10 to 12 feet wide), ‘Brackens Brown Beauty’ (35 feet tall, 15 feet wide), ‘Little Gem’ (20 to 25 feet tall, 10 to 15 feet wide), and ‘Majestic Beauty’ (35 to 50 feet tall, 20 feet wide).
How far away can I smell magnolias?
My Southern magnolia tree is blooming. I don’t have to see it to know. I can smell it from 20 feet away. Waxy, white blossoms up to 10 inches across crown its glossy, evergreen leaves. Some flowers may smell as good, but none smell better.
Is it OK to prune Southern magnolia trees? How and when?
You can prune in spring, summer, late fall, or winter. Keep in mind that if you completely remove the lowest branches of a big tree, they probably won’t be replaced.
Where is Southern Magnolia found?
Southern Magnolia. The southern magnolia, a tree indigenous to the southeastern United States but sporadically found all along the East coast, is a broadleafed evergreen. It is relatively hardy, growing even in the colder climates of Washington, Michigan, and Maine, but fares best in the south. In fact, it is Mississippi's state tree.
What is a laurel magnolia tree?
Because it can maintain its beautiful leaves year round, it is often planted as an ornamental flowering tree. It is also particularly sturdy, and as such is often used in the lumber industry to make furniture. Its alternate common names are laurel magnolia, evergreen magnolia, large-flower magnolia, and big laurel.
What are magnolia twigs?
A grouping of magnolia branches. Southern magnolia twigs are generally gray, brown and green. They are fairly brittle. The branches generally droop as the tree grows, and will require pruning for vehicular or pedestrian clearance beneath the canopy.
How many petals does a magnolia have?
Although southern magnolias possess a number of dicot features, most notably two cotyledons, their flowers actually have six petals, a feature usually belonging only to monocots. It is the state flower of Louisiana. Interestingly, the magnolia flower is associated with nobility, perseverance, dignity and a love of nature.
What is magnolia bark used for?
Interestingly, magnolia trees have been used for centuries in herbal remedies. The bark appears to have two main uses as a steroid and as an anti-anxiety medication . Two active ingredients have been isolated from the plant: honokiol and magnolol. Both are potent antioxidants, and honokiol has been shown to be up to five times stronger than Valium in its anti-anxiety effects. Magnolol, on the other hand, has been shown to increase the body’s production of corticosteroids, thereby reducing inflammation from autoimmune responses. As such, it has been used to treat asthma. Both compounds also appear to possess anti-microbial properties against gram positive and acid fast bacteria.
Why do magnolias grow in urban areas?
Additionally, in many urban areas where other species do poorly, this magnolia can grow because of its resistance to damage by sulfur dioxide. Southern Magnolias tend to coexist with other species such as sweet gum, black tupelo, and water oak.
What is the color of magnolia bark?
0.15 m. Hide. Bark. Southern magnolia bark. Southern magnolia bark is typically gray and smooth, although it does tend to possess a number of small lenticels. Lenticels are tiny openings in the stems of plants that allows gas exchange to occur. In this way, their function is similar to that of stomata.
What is a Southern Magnolia?
Characteristics: The Southern Magnolia is a medium to large sized majestic southern evergreen tree with oval-shaped leaves 5-8 inches long and 2-3 inches wide that are green on top and rusty red on the bottom. It is known for its large white fragrant flowers. Southern Magnolia flowers do not produce true nectar, but instead secret a sugary secretion. Both the blooms and the leaves of the Southern Magnolia touch and strong, making them more resistant to insect damage. Southern magnolias drop their leaves year round and leave considerable leaf litter.
Where do magnolias grow?
Habitat: Southern magnolias grow best in coastal plains in moist, well-drained, slightly soils. They prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.
How long have magnolias been around?
History: Species of magnolias have survived for 100 million years, according to fossil records. A different species of magnolia has been popular in China and Japan since the 7th century. The magnolia is named after French botanist Pierre Mongol, who fell in love with the tree. The Southern Magnolia has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries for uses that include steroids and anti-anxiety. President Andrew Jackson planted a southern Magnolia on the grounds of the White House that lived for more than 200 years until it had to be removed in 2017 because of its declining health.
Is Magnolia a deciduous shrub?
What you should know: The magnolia family includes about 80 different species of trees and large shrubs that are divided into two types, deciduous and evergreen. Although the Southern Magnolia is native to the region, many other hybrids have been developed over the years based on the Southern Magnolia’s popularity, including some that are cold hardy and can survive further north and others with different shades of blooms. The little gem magnolia was cultivated for those who enjoyed the charm of the Southern Magnolia but don’t have the yard space for them.
Where are magnolia trees grown?
Perhaps the one reaching back the farthest into time is a southern magnolia that still grows in what today is Washington State Park in Washington, Arkansas. According to Famous and Historic Trees by Charles E. Randall and Henry Clepper, this tree was planted near an important road junction in 1839 by Gen. Grandison D. Royston. It was near a blacksmith shop where Jim Bowie fashioned his famous knife.
What zone do magnolias grow in?
The southern magnolia can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 6–10. View Map
Why is it called the Jones Magnolia?
Some call it the Jones Magnolia because two unrelated boys were born to Jones families the same year the tree was planted. Both became Colonels in the Confederate army and one, Daniel W. Jones, eventually became Governor of Arkansas.
How fast does a sage tree grow?
This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
When does a sage evergreen bloom?
Large, creamy white and very fragrant flowers grace this broad leafed evergreen in late spring and early summer. Leaves are shiny green, reddish underneath. Protect from winter winds and sun in northern areas. Grows to 60' to 80', 40' spread. (zones 6-10)
When do lilac trees bloom?
Blooms May through June, with some blossoms throughout the summer months.
How many leaves does a Southern Magnolia have?
The Southern Magnolia has 5-10 alternate, simple, persistent, leathery evergreen ovate to elliptic leaves (5 to 10 inches long). They are glossy dark green above and variable pale green to gray-brown beneath. It has felt-like fuzz and rusty-brown tomentose on back of its leaves.
How tall does a magnolia tree get?
It is the only evergreen magnolia and typically grows to 60 to 80 feet tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown, a spread of 20 to 40 feet wide, and a trunk diameter of 3 feet. Magnolias are one of the oldest known tree species in the world (based on data from USNA). This is a magnificent tree for planting as a specimen in the South in large areas, but can also be planted in small residential or commercial sites. It needs plenty of space to grow. Lower branches can be pruned out to appear more tree-like. Nothing will grow underneath the tree, and it requires a mulch to prevent erosion problems. Giant flowers are borne in the summer months and are extremely ornamental. Fruits are used as dried centerpieces intermixed with gymnosperm branches. It prefers rich soil with partial shade. It tolerates high moisture levels, but is intolerant to overly wet or swampy soils and prolonged flooding. It is native to the bottomlands and moist wooded areas in the central and southeastern coastal plains from North Carolina to Florida and Texas. Its presence in natural stands is evidence of better drained alluvial terraces.
What color is the bark of a sage tree?
The bark is brown to grey and smooth when young. As the tree ages, close plates or scales develop.
Is a sage tree pest free?
It is regarded as pest and disease free and is widely planted as an ornamental or landscape tree across the southeast. Its dense shade and shallow roots make it difficult to grow anything underneath. It is shade tolerant and, in nature, is usually an understory tree. However, when grown as an ornamental, it maintains heavily leaved limbs almost to the ground.
Is Southern magnolia salt tolerant?
The Southern magnolia is moderately resistant to deer damage, and is highly salt tolerant.
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 family is a magnolia tree?
Magnolias belong to the family Magnoliaceae. They're deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs that can most accurately be described as magnificent—they're magnificent flowering plants featuring blossoms in white, pink, red, purple, or yellow. Magnolia trees are diverse in leaf shape and plant form, and they include both evergreen and deciduous sorts. They aren't usually munched by deer. (An attractive characteristic for gardeners with yards where deer are known to browse.)
What are the names of the magnolias?
This group includes Kobus magnolia (M. kobus), Loebner magnolia (M. x loebneri), and star magnolia (M. stellata). All are cold-hardy, heat-tolerant, adaptable plants with fragrant flowers. The flowers have petals that branch out in forms resembling many-armed stars. Late frosts sometimes damage the early blooms of these magnolias. Several selections of star magnolias bear rosy pink blooms. M. stellata ‘Rosea' is also commonly known as "pink star magnolia."
What are the different types of magnolias?
Cucumber tree (M. acuminata) and its smaller sibling, yellow cucumber tree (M. a. subcordata), are the source of the yellow blossom color of many new hybrids. Bigleaf magnolia (M. macrophylla), umbrella magnolia (M. tripetala), Fraser magnolia (M. fraseri), and Ashe magnolia (M. ashei) are medium-size trees with huge leaves and large flowers that appear after the leaves unfurl. In its own category is Oyama magnolia (M. sieboldii), native to western China. It bears drooping, cup-shaped, fragrant blooms after leaves emerge.
What is the best soil for magnolias?
The best soil for magnolias is fairly rich, well drained, and neutral to slightly acid; if necessary, add generous amounts of organic matter when planting. Southern magnolia (M. grandiflora) is good for planting at the beach, though not on dunes. It can stand up to some salty sea breezes. Sweet bay (M. virginiana) tolerates wet soil. The species and selections listed are adapted to a wide range of growing conditions and are easy for most gardeners to grow.
Do magnolias grow in full sun?
Magnolia zones var y by species, but most all of them thrive in full sun or partial shade with regular water. Their summertime blooms are creamy and thick and their foliage varies from shiny and waxy (see: Magnolia grandiflora) to soft, green, enormous, and shaped like saucers (see: M. macrophylla, also known as bigleaf magnolia). Whether evergreen or deciduous, most magnolias have large, striking blossoms composed of petal-like segments. A few are grown for use as foliage plants. Some even grow big and thick enough to be used as privacy plantings and hedge-type tree plantings.
Do magnolias like salt spray?
This group includes the popular saucer magnolia (M. x soulangeana) and its myriad selections, often called tulip trees because of the shape and bright color of their flowers. They prefer fertile, acid, well-drained soil. They do not tolerate heavy wind or salt spray. Early-flowering selections are prone to frost damage. Related to these, but less tolerant of winter cold and summer heat, are the spectacular magnolias from western China and the Himalayas― Sargent magnolia (M. sargentiana) and Sprenger magnolia (M. sprengeri). Though their early flowers may fall victim to late freezes, one spring season with good blooms will quickly make you forget the disappointments of years past.
