Facts on Southern Magnolia Cultivars

Southern magnolia, or Magnolia grandiflora, is a stately evergreen tree that grows up to 100 feet tall. It is prized for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy green leaves. According to the University of Florida, there are more than 42 cultivars of southern magnolias.

Types

The three most popular cultivars are Bracken's brown beauty, D.D. Blanchard and little gem. Other less popular cultivars include: Claudia Wannamaker, Edith Bogue, Samuel Sommer, greenback, alta, Kay Parris, St. Mary, majestic beauty and teddy bear.

Identification

Bracken's brown beauty's leaves are dark green with rusty, fuzzy undersides. This tree produces many flowers but the flowers tend to be smaller than other cultivars. D.D. Blanchard leaves are small and dark green with copper-colored undersides. The flowers are less numerous when the tree is young. Little gem has small green leaves with copper undersides. The flowering season is much longer than other cultivars, producing more flowers than other varieties.

Size

Bracken's brown beauty grows to be 30 to 50 feet. D.D. Blanchard grows over 50 feet tall. Little gem is smaller than other varieties, growing to 20 to 40 feet.

Location

Southern magnolia cultivars are native to the southeastern United States and can be found from North Carolina to central Florida and west to Texas.

Fun Fact

Bracken's brown beauty is the state tree and flower of Mississippi. Southern magnolia is also the state tree and flower of Louisiana.

References

• University of Florida: Southern Magnolia Cultivars
• University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: Growing Southern Magnolias
• Floridata: Magnolia Grandiflora