Magnolias are beloved for their delicate, fragrant flowers, luscious fruit and gorgeous spring foliage. Theyג€™re also one of the easiest trees to care for in temperate zones. If you live in a mild climate or have an indoor botanical garden, you may even get by with just one or two varieties. But if you want the most out of your plantings, magnolias demand more nurturing than most other potted plantsג€”and thatג€™s saying something.
Fortunately, magnolia care isnג€™t nearly as challenging as it sounds. Most varieties thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 and can be grown outdoors in most areas from southern California to northern Minnesota. Even zone 6 is not too cold for some varieties; see our article on magnolia winter care to learn more.
What is the most popular magnolia?
The most popular magnolia is the Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), with its broad leaves and large, rounded flowers. If you live north of zone 8, consider planting Japanese magnoliasג€”they grow more slowly and are less hardy than the Southern variety.
The most striking varieties are available at garden centers in the spring but are often sold out by summertime. They need plenty of light to ensure a healthy flowering display, so make sure to plant them in full sun or in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
You should also choose a variety of different-colored flowers to add interest to your garden. The 2-inch-wide flowers on the Moonglow magnolia (M. ֳ— loebneri) can be pure white, a dazzling pink, or deep rose; theyג€™re known for their outstanding fragrance as well as their showy blooms.
What are the different types of magnolias?
Lace leaf, trumpet, and weeping are all common types of magnolias. The leaves grow to a size that can reach up to a foot across and are shaped like the shape of a bowl.
The flowers are usually white or yellow, but some varieties come in shades of red and purple. Because this plant grows so quickly, itג€™s easy to keep from having dead wood on the tree; just prune away any dead branches in spring.
What is the prettiest magnolia?
Maiden’s Blush or President, both first-year blooming varieties, offer a combination of beauty and color. Theyג€™re available in a range of sizes and colors, from white flowers to deep burgundy. These two varieties are the most popular because they are easy to grow, produce showy flowers and leaf color in springtime, and cope well with winter temps. Other good year-round selections are Ruby Star (a red variety), Giant Redwood (a large, red-flowering tree) and Purple Majesty (a purple variety).
How do I choose a magnolia tree?
The most popular varieties for home gardeners are the cherries and two cultivars called Littleleaf (with delicate leaves) and Emperor of India, both with clusters of luscious flowers. All magnolias produce a huge range of forms, colors, blooms, and foliage; itג€™s easy to find something to suit your tastes. You can also browse our articles on magnolia care to learn how you can make sure your plantings thrive or take a look at this infographic on the most popular magnolia varieties.
If you have an indoor botanical garden or plan to grow magnolias in a temperate zone, choose plants with the cold hardiness necessary for your growing area.
