Are Magnolia Trees Slow Growing?

Some species of magnolia grow slowly.

Out of the 80 known species of magnolia trees and bushes, several are considered slow-growing plants. All of the species, whether they grow slow or fast, thrive in moist soils commonly associated with mixed deciduous and coniferous forests.

Slow-Growing

Glen St. Mary is a slow-growing magnolia cultivar that eventually reaches a height of 25 feet and 10 to 12 feet in width. Another slow-growing cultivar is Little Gem. Little Gem slowly reaches up to 30 feet in height and produces flowers within the first few years of its life. The flowers stay on the tree for months during the summer.

Fast-Growing

Cucumber magnolia is a fast-growing tree that reaches up to 80 feet in height and 30 feet in width. The tree gets its name from the fruits it produces that resemble small cucumbers. Another fast-growing cultivar is Samuel Sommer, a tree that produces large flowers up to 14 inches in diameter.

Seeds

Magnolia trees grown from seed vary in growth rate as well as structure, size and foliage and flower characteristics. Plants grown by seed usually take longer to develop flowers than propagated plants grown from cuttings.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Magnolia Grandiflora: Southern Magnolia
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Magnolia

Resources

• The United States National Arboretum: Magnolia Questions and Answers