Information on Magnolia Trees
Magnolia is a genus of flowering plants ranging from moderately large bushes to huge trees. Almost all members of the family produce large flowers of pink, white, purple, red or yellow, though a few bear no flowers at all. Gardeners value magnolias for their beautiful shapes and striking blossoms. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Magnolia grandiflora
-
This is the magnificent magnolia of the American South, that grows up to 80 feet tall and 60 feet wide and puts forth fragrant white flowers that can measure 10 inches across. The deep green, shiny leaves have a leathery texture. You can plant the big varieties along the street or in your lawn; the smaller cultivars make good container or espalier plants.
These trees can thrive in Sunset's climate zones 4 through 12, 14 through 24, 26, 28 and 32, and in Hawaiian zones H1 and H2. In zones 4 and 5, they need some protection from wind. (For more information about Sunset's climate zones, please see Resources.)
Notable cultivars include "D. D. Blanchard," a 50 foot tall tree with dark green leaves; "Little Gem," which grows up tall and narrow, to 25 feet high and 15 feet wide; "Majestic Beauty," which takes on a pyramid form as it matures; and "St. Mary," a smaller, profusely flowering variety that makes a good container and espalier plant.
Magnolia stellata
-
The star magnolia from Japan grows slowly to 10 feet tall. It is hardy in zones 2B, 3 through 9, 14 through 24, and 28 through 41. You can use it as a border tree, shape it into a shrub, or plant it at the edges of forests for visual interest. The flowers are white and comparatively small. Many cultivars' flowers are intoxicatingly fragrant.
-
Magnolia sieboldii
-
A small magnolia that prefers partial shade, this tree produces flower buds that look like "white Japanese lanterns," according to Sunset. The buds bloom into cup-shaped flowers with red stamens; the seed pods are bright pink. The tree is hardy in zones 4 through 9, 14 through 24 and 31 through 33.
Magnolia x soulangiana
-
Called the "saucer magnolia," this hybrid tree blooms white, purplish red or pink in late winter or early spring, before it starts to leaf out. It's not a giant tree, growing to 25 feet high and an equal width, so it's fine for lawns or big containers. It will thrive in zones 2B, 3 through 10, 12 through 24 and 28 through 41.
The "Black Tulip" cultivar of the saucer magnolia can be shaped into a hedge. Its flowers are deep read. "Rustica Rubra" has tree-like growing habit and big, purple-red flowers.
Growing Magnolias
-
According to Sunset Magazine, you need to give your magnolia tree plenty of space, and plant it where you intend to leave it. Once it's established, moving it won't be easy.
Magnolias prefer loose soil that's slightly acid, rather than alkaline. When you plant your magnolia, be sure to mix plenty of organic material, like compost, into the soil. Water the plant well but don't soak it. If it looks weak, fertilize it with controlled-release fertilizer. If it starts to turn yellow, give it an iron-rich fertilizer.
-
