Magnolia Tree Varieties in Northern Indiana

Magnolia flowers are not always white, as evidence of the flowers on this magnolia tree.

Magnolias are commonly associated with the South, but that doesn't mean people in Northern Indiana can't enjoy them too. The average winter minimum temperature in northern Indiana ranges between minus 10 and minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which places it in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 5. Several species of magnolia are winter hardy enough to endure these cold temperatures and tolerant of both the clay and sandy soils found in Indiana. No matter where you're planting them, make sure you pick a sunny location that is well-draining.

Cucumber Tree Magnolia

The cucumber tree magnolia (Magnolia acumiate) gets its name from its pinkish-red fruit that looks like a cucumber. Its small, yellow-green flowers are not as showy as those of other magnolia trees, but this variety does make a fast-growing shade tree. This tree will tolerate periods of flooding and is moderately drought tolerant. It grows about 70 feet tall with a 40 foot width.

Umbrella Magnolia

White, 8-inch flowers that start blooming in May make the umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala) an attractive choice, provided you're standing downwind, since these flowers don't smell very pleasant. The name comes from the large leaves that range between 10 and 24 inches long. It is a smaller tree that grows about 15 to 40 feet tall. It needs a moist, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade.

Japanese Magnolias

The Korbus (Magnolia kobus) and star magnolias (Magnolia stellata) are both native to Japan. They are smaller trees that grow about 20 to 25 feet tall. The star magnolia is much narrower than the Korbus, with a width averaging between 10 to 15 feet compared to Korbus's spread of 25 to 35 feet. Both produce fragrant white flowers in the spring that are about 3 to 4 inches wide. The Korbus is known for being one of the earliest magnolias to bloom, although it does not flower well until it is mature. The star magnolia has a moderate flooding and drought tolerance, and should be planted in slightly acidic soil.

Sweet Bay Magnolia

Hoosiers might be surprised by the lemony scent emanating from the 3-inch-wide, white flowers of the sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). Flowers eventually turn into a bright-red fruit that is attractive to wildlife. Although the flowers are not particularly showy, the dark-green leaves have a silver underside that often attracts attention. This magnolia likes a more acidic soil than its brethren and will grow about 40 feet high with a 20 foot spread. It is also known as the swamp magnolia.

Saucer Magnolia

If you like a little color, the saucer magnolia offers flowers that range in shade of pink, purple and white. They can begin blooming in February and may reoccur over the summer. It will grow about 1 foot a year until it reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet, with a similar spread. It needs a deep acidic soil to do well.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Ohio Trees -- Magnolia
• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Magnolias; Debbie Shaughnessy and Bob Polomski; May 2009
• University of Connecticut: UConn Plant Database
• North Carolina State University: Tree Index
• Arbor Day Foundation: Tree Guide
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Landscape Trees A-Z