Colors of Magnolia Trees

Magnolia blossoms and berries add color to a landscape.

For many southerners, the magnolia tree (Magnolia grandiflora) is a symbol of the South. Both Mississippi and Louisiana have the magnolia blossom as the official state flower. These trees prefer warm climates and are hardy to USDA zone 6. While most magnolia cultivars are evergreens, some are deciduous varieties. The colors and characteristics of these trees may vary slightly between cultivars.

Blossoms

While white blossoms are by far the most common color for magnolia trees, some hybrids produce flowers in shades of pink, purple and yellow. Cultivars that display yellow blossoms include Elizabeth, Yellow Bird and Yellow Lantern. Trees that blossom in shades of pink include Sweetheart, Star Wars, Athene and Heaven Scent. Purple cultivars include Felix and Phillip Tregunna. Non-hybrid varieties of southern magnolia produce blossoms in shades of creamy or bright white.

Leaves

Magnolia trees produce large, elliptical-shaped leaves in shades of deep and medium green. The upper surfaces of the leaves appear glossy, while the underneath sides have a leathery or velveteen appearance. The bottoms of the leaves are rust colored. These trees grow equally well in sunny and shady locations. Magnolias growing sunny locations tend to have deeper colors than the ones that grow in shady areas of the landscape.

Bark

The bark on magnolia trees is usually grayish brown, although climate, soil fertility and sunlight variations can affect the depth of color along the branches and trunks. While young trees display smooth coats of bark, older trees develop raised patches that give the trunks texture.

Berries

While the attractive, sweetly scented blossoms on magnolias serve to enhance yards and parks throughout the spring and early summer seasons, the berries provide vibrant color later in the year. Magnolia trees produce reddish-brown, cone-shaped fruits that mature to reveal clusters of bright red berries that hang from tiny thread-like stems. The berries appear in late September and often remain on the tree until springtime. Birds and small mammals feed on the red fruits.

References

• Conifer Gardens Nursery: Magnolia
• Southern Living; Magnolia; Steve Bender
• University of Connecticut: Magnolia Grandiflora
• Floridata; Magnolia Grandiflora; Steve Christman; June 1997

Resources

• North Carolina State University: Magnolia Grandiflora