Southern magnolia should be planted in a protected location, as strong winds can damage its lustrous 4-inch leaves. Magnolias for the north include hybrids of Magnolia stellata and Magnolia kobus as well as the native cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata).Most cultivars are small trees or shrubs, ranging from 10 to 25 feet tall with a vase-shaped form. Contact us to order your copy today >, Copyright 2020 Magnolia Society International. The small flowers are produced in large numbers because they form all along the branches and not just at the stem tips as with many other magnolias. This is one of the big trees, growing to 30 feet (9 m.) tall with a 25 foot (7.5 m.) spread. Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an imposing, upright specimen that grows up to 80 feet tall, with a 50-foot spread. For the first 6 to 12 months after planting, both types will benefit from mulch and regular irrigation during warm or dry weather. When you start looking into magnolias, you will want one in every bed! I Need Planting & Care Information on a Texas Ebony Tree. They may know which magnolias grow well in your area and will have these for sale. Ask the following questions to help determine if you should consider a magnolia -- and if so, where best to plant it: The easy way to answer this question is to figure out what “zone” you live in. Growing as a small to large evergreen tree, Southern Magnolia also was found to be widely adaptable to different climates, soils, and exposures. This tree also can be grown as an espalier. Do not cover the top of the root ball with soil. The flowers of the saucer magnolia present in saucer shapes. The fragrant flowers open before the foliage and range in color from white to pink to purple. Star Magnolia's characteristics have made it popular as a parent of many hybrids. Star Magnolia flowers are 3 to 5 inches in diameter with 12 to 40 petal-like parts called "tepals." For a container plant, remove the container and make four evenly spaced slices down the sides of the root ball. Many new magnolias have been discovered in tropical areas of Asia and South America, and these may become more available in the future. The trunk has smooth, tan or grey bark and branches exhibit large, fuzzy flower buds. The exact U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone ranges vary by species. Leaves turn a nondescript yellow to brown before dropping in fall. This magnolia is one of the best known species because it is very cold hardy (USDA Zones 4-8), widely adaptable and blooms when very small. If possible, avoid exposed, windy locations because strong winds can damage large flowers and the typically brittle branches. Here are some dwarf trees for zone 3 that should work just fine: Other varieties include sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), a white-flowered, lemon-scented tree that blooms in early summer and "Little Gem," a compact dwarf Southern magnolia cultivar that produces charmingly small leaves. swollen areas on stems or roots (however, note that grafted or budded plants sometimes have swollen areas where the bud or graft was attached; check with nursery personnel to determine if this is the case). Wishhart holds a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts and English literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Most magnolias grow best in moist, well-drained, slightly acid soils but neutral to slightly alkaline soils are also suitable for growth. Place the root ball so the upper most root (uncovered in step one) is even with or slightly above the surface of the surrounding undisturbed soil. In the warmer end of its range, Yulan magnolia tends to have a denser, shrubbier habit. As with other magnolias, saucer magnolias require a moist, acidic soil enhanced with organic matter and smothered with a generous layer of mulch. Consult our Magnolia Cultivars Checklist for options and consider visiting one of the gardens listed on this map to get an idea for the kinds of magnolias that are likely to do well in your climate. Though evergreen, leaf drop may occur in the cooler end of its range.