Wildlife: One of the most popular cultivars in the trade, prized for lustrous green leaves with a fuzzy, rusty texture on their undersides. Width: 50 - 60 feet. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension programming improves people's lives and gets results. The tree flowers at a young age. The Southern magnolia is a large tree that benefits from warm weather. Magnolias are entwined with the history of the south. Today, there are several superior cultivars of Southern magnolia on the market (Table 1). Very attractive, large, white, fragrant blooms. In the Coastal Plain the southern magnolia can store 17,800 lb/tree per year (USFS, 2014). This low branching shrub-like tree grows to 10 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide at maturity. This is a magnificent tree of the South. The dwarf tree's shrublike growth and slow growth rate make it ideal as a container specimen on a patio or deck. Growth Rate: 24 Inches per Year. Magnolia roots have been shown to grow more than three times further than the canopy width of the tree, so they can obtain nutrients applied to nearby plants and turfgrass. Another historic specimen grows on the White House grounds. Adding this magnificent tree to a landscape is a Southern tradition. The large, glossy, evergreen leaves have rusty-brown undersides. The Southern magnolia grows at a rate known as moderately fast in the gardening world; in normal growing conditions, it will average a full foot of growth in height every year. Most cultivars of Southern magnolia are seedling selections that have been vegetatively propagated, which results in a wide variety of tree shapes, leaf sizes and leaf coloration. It grows at a slow rate to a height of perhaps 30 to 35 feet with an 8 to 12-foot spread and flowers at two or three years old. However, form and growth rate on seedlings is incredibly variable. Container-grown Southern magnolias can be planted successfully any time of year. Small, dark green leaves are bronze-brown beneath. Little Gem Growth Rate. Extravagantly large plant with large leaves and large, profuse flowers up to 12 inches in diameter. In youth, the tree is more open than 'Claudia Wannamaker.? Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a magnificent tree cultivated for its glossy green leaves and lovely white blossoms.Remarkably flexible for an outstanding ornamental, southern magnolia thrives not only in the South, but also in the Pacific Northwest. An upright, pyramidal tree growing 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide. The name magnolia honors a French botanist, Pierre Magnol, who admired the tree so much that he transplanted it to Europe 300 years ago. Find out what Extension has for you! A row of Southern magnolias provides an excellent screen or hedge to block undesirable views or to define property lines. The southern magnolia grows to a height of 60–80' and a spread of around 40' at maturity. It grows 10 to 15 feet tall, and 5 to 10 feet wide, making it the littlest Magnolia choice out of the assortments we convey. The Texas Tree Selector helps you find a tree that will grow in your county. Horticulture. This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year. Blanchard Magnolia has a moderate growth rate and does best in well-drained soils that receive regular water. We translate science of everyday living for farmers, families and communities to foster a healthy The sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is a flowering tree or shrub that can be either evergreen or deciduous depending on the USDA Zone where it is grown. Tree Characteristics. View Map. Growth slows when the tree has aged to about 50 years old. Some are de… Diameter: 10-12 m (30-40 ft). The Little Gem Magnolia is the perfect tree for your yard if you are seeking a smaller version of the evergreen magnolia without sacrificing any of the usual beauty. Needs protection from winter sun and winds in northern areas. Southern magnolia is most frequently grown as a single specimen tree in the landscape. This cultivar of Southern Magnolia has a compact, upright growth habit more typical of a multistemmed shrub than a single-trunked tree (Fig. In autumn you will enjoy even more color as the green leaves brighten to yellow and then copper as the weather cools. However, in the same study, magnolia provided much less benefit in terms of carbon dioxide (CO 2) reductions due mainly to its relative slower growth rate and smaller tree size. And it’s versatile – it’s considered an ornamental tree for its iconic blooms and a privacy tree for its large stature and evergreen leaves. Flowers from May to November. The leaves are simple and broadly ovate, 12–20 cm (4 3⁄4 – 7 3⁄4 in) long and 6–12 cm (2 1⁄4 – 4 3⁄4 in) broad, with smooth margins. Some nurseries also sell seedling trees; however, seedling trees may take 10 years or more to flower. Yields fruit that is 3–8" long, attracting birds. The Magnolia Tree for the North and the South Why Southern Magnolia Trees? resources. Scientific name. Flowers are 10 to 14 inches in diameter. SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA, BULL BAY. Some call it the Jones Magnolia because two unrelated boys were born to Jones families the same year the tree was planted. This tree may be slow to flower in youth. Public Service Associate and State Master Gardener Coordinator; Area: Consumer Ornamentals, All types of this stunner will flower in the early spring before leaf buds open for a striking bloom-on-bare-branch display. It is tolerant of high moisture levels and can be planted in areas prone to wet/dry fluctuations in soil moisture. Blooms May through June, with some blossoms throughout the summer months. Place the wire inside a section of old garden hose before wrapping it around the tree to prevent girdling and injury to the trunk. The crown is dense and conical in youth and becomes more rounded with age. Special features: North American Native Selection , Tolerates Road Salt , … Published on Sep 23, 2009Published with Full Review on Sep 01, 2012Published with Full Review on Aug 07, 2017. provided by southern magnolia were due to energy savings. Southern Magnolia are light feeders, however will benefit from fertilization. Has Evergreen foliage. Its coarse-textured leaves provide an excellent background for shrubs, particularly needle evergreens. Erect or Spreading and requires ample growing space. Southern magnolia can be grown in sun or shade. Among the most cold hardy of the magnolias. like workshops, classes, consultation, certifications, camps, and educator It was near a blacksmith shop where Jim Bowie fashioned his famous knife. Height: 60 - 80 feet. Longevity Greater than 150 years. Leaves are shiny green, reddish underneath. The tight pyramidal form reaches 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide with narrow, lustrous dark green leaves. Magnolia grandiflora is a medium to large evergreen tree which may grow 120 ft (37 m) tall. In formal landscapes, the tree is sometimes sheared once or twice a season to encourage branching and to maintain a tight, compact form. It has numerous trunks and vast pink to purple sprouts that rise in the late-winter. Tree is recovering and leafing out … The compact Jane magnolia is a deciduous tree that is recommended for growing zones 4 to 8. By the fourth year, the tree should have a well-established root system and should be able to forage for nutrients on its own. The tree completely defoliated and died back on the 3 main branches by 1.5'-2'. Magnolia x soulangiana ‘Alexandrina’ 20-25 ft. 20-25 ft. Purple-Pink: Deciduous: Mid to Late Spring-Summer: Full Sun: Moderate Many new cultivars flower at an earlier age and have a tighter, denser canopy or smaller growth habit than the seedling forms. They are lustrous green above and fuzzy, rusty brown below. Growth rate is generally moderate, some grow slower or faster than others. Finally, apply 3 to 5 inches of mulch on the soil surface to conserve moisture and to prevent weeds. We have faculty and staff in every county across the state that are available to assist you. Contact your local UGA Extension office to find out how our team of county agents can assist you. Some types will only have a spread of 10 to 20ft. (zones 6-10). Gary L. Wade, Extension HorticulturistDepartment of Horticulture. It is one of the most widely grown cultivars, reaching 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Flowers Showy. Is an evergreen, keeping most (but not all) of its leaves year-round. Southern magnolias grow from 1 to 2 feet a year, reaching 60 to 80 feet tall with canopies spreading 30 to 50 feet wide. The star magnolia grows to 15 feet and produces white flowers in the late winter. D.D. Dirr, Michael A. It reaches 50+ feet tall at maturity. During the first growing season after establishment, apply ½ pound (1 cup) of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer along the perimeter of the planting hole in March, May and July. The Jane Magnolia tree is an exceptional excellent tree. Tight columnar form with lustrous, dark green upper leaf surface with dark brown undersides. Stipes Publishing Co. Sun Preference Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. and prosperous Georgia. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. With the same wonderful attributes of the hardy Southern Magnolia Tree in a smaller, more manageable package, the Little Gem Magnolia Tree is ideal for landscapes that can't accommodate the 40-foot width of a typical magnolia. For more than a century, we've provided research and education through a If possible, dig the planting hole at least two times wider than and as deep as the root ball. It has been selected as the state tree of Mississippi. Both laid claim to being the namesake of the tree and James finally resolved the good-natured debate by purchasing the land the tree stood on and making his home there for over 30 years. network of committed specialists, agents and volunteers to help Georgians learn, grow and do more. This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year. Ornamental Features: The flowers are small (2- to 3-inches in diameter), creamy white and lemon-scented. It typically has a single stem (or trunk) and a pyramidal shape. For information or the status on programs, contact your local Extension office by email or phone. UGA Extension is not responsible for any damages, costs, liability, or risk associated with any use, functionality, and/or content of the website translations. A dwarf southern magnolia with smaller dark green foliage and a very compact narrow form. Has a shallow and wide-spreading root system. A 2000 Georgia Gold Medal Winner. A compact form reaching 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Leaves are smaller than most other magnolias, 2 to 4 inches wide and 3 to 6 inches long. UGA Extension offers a wealth of personalized services The other, James K. Jones, became a U.S. It grows well throughout Georgia, is widely adaptable to a variety of soils and has few pest problems. Feed in spring with a slow-release shrub & tree food, preferably one that contains Sulfur and/or Iron for deep greening of foliage. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. Balled and burlapped trees are usually transplanted from August to October. The native tree can reach a height of 60 to 80 feet at maturity, with a 30- to 50-feet-wide spread, although some cultivars are more erect and compact. Plant in a rich soil, high in organic matter with a slightly acid pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. Protect from winter winds and sun in northern areas. The large, thick, and glossy evergreen leaves cast heavy, cool shade below, making it a perfect tree to rest under on a hot summer day. Both became Colonels in the Confederate army and one, Daniel W. Jones, eventually became Governor of Arkansas. Southern magnolia is most often grown as a single-trunk tree, but it can also be grown in a multi-trunk form. Since the tree sheds old leaves each spring and seed pods in late summer, it can be messy when planted in a lawn area. Produces creamy white flowers, sometimes up to 12" in diameter, with a rich fragrance. Wait until the tree is established and putting forth new growth before fertilizing. To many people, the word "magnolia" is synonymous with our native Magnolia grandiflora, the classic Southern magnolia with large, glossy leaves and huge, fragrant white blossoms―the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana. On windy, exposed sites, guy wires may be necessary to hold the tree in place during the first growing season. Perhaps the one reaching back the farthest into time is a southern magnolia that still grows in what today is Washington State Park in Washington, Arkansas. Senator. It prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils. The Magnolia Tree for Smaller Spaces Why Little Gem Magnolia Trees? Southern Magnolia Trees generally grow up to a height of anywhere from 35 ft. up to 50 ft. Field Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Production, Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program, Coronavirus (COVID-19) information, resources, and updates for Georgia communities, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, UGA College of Family & Consumer Sciences. This magnolia grows one foot annually until it reaches a height between 60 and 70 feet at maturity. You have successfully removed your county preference. Planting several of the trees forms a dense hedge. Its coarse-textured leaves provide an excellent background for shrubs, particularly needle evergreens. The little gem magnolia grows to a height of 15–20' and a spread of 7–10' at maturity. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Magnolias usually average about 0.2 inches of diameter growth per year. Magnolia grandiflora is a broadleaf evergreen tree that is noted for its attractive dark green leaves and its large, extremely fragrant flowers. Capable of growing at a moderate rate to a height of 80 feet or more with a 30 to 40-foot spread, southern magnolia forms a dense (more open in the shade), dark green pyramidal shape, the lower branches often bending to the ground. General characteristics. Recent updates, initiatives and programs from UGA Extension. A selection from Bold Springs Nursery in Monroe, Ga., with lustrous, wavy, dark green leaves and a tight, dense form growing 30 feet tall and 12 feet wide. According to Famous and Historic Trees by Charles E. Randall and Henry Clepper, this tree was planted near an important road junction in 1839 by Gen. Grandison D. Royston. Any person that uses the translated site does so at that person’s own risk. (January-February 2014 Update* One low down to -15 and maybe 7 other lows between -10 and 0 have caused this tree to bronze and burn in the full sunlight. Since the tree sheds old leaves each spring and seed pods in late summer, it can be messy when planted in a lawn area. It produces long, bright green and glossy leaves and beautiful white, fragrant flowers. This cultivar of Southern Magnolia has a compact, upright growth habit more typical of a multistemmed shrub than a single-trunked tree. This is an example of a type species, which is a plant that is considered to be the prime example for species in a genus. Leathery, lustrous, dark green leaves with rich, orange-brown undersides. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier. With glossy evergreen foliage and large white fragrant blossoms, it truly is one of the most handsome and durable native trees for our Southern landscapes. Users agree that automated translations may not effectively convert the intended design, meaning, and/or context of the website, may not translate images or PDF content, and may not take into account regional language differences. However, some well established trees have been known to reach 80 ft. in height. Don't be alarmed if the tree sheds an unusually large number of leaves during the first growing season; transplant shock is common with Southern magnolia. A row of Southern magnolias provides an excellent screen or hedge to block undesirable views … The tree reaches 30 to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide, so it needs room to spread. Southern Magnolia, Bull bay . It's a … May be better placed in landscaping rather than along a street due to the leathery leaves and large seed pods that are shed in the fall. Status and Revision History It is hardy to 5 degrees. Considered a small magnolia tree, it is deciduous and compact, growing only to about 15 feet tall (many consider it to be a shrub). The loose and open growth habit becomes more dense with age. Very little lustrous dark green leaves. Southern magnolia is most frequently grown as a single specimen tree in the landscape. It typically grows to 60-80’ tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown. Reaches 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide. This magnolia has a medium growth-rate, reaching about 50 feet tall with a 20 feet spread. Grows to 60' to 80', 40' spread. 1). Another popular characteristic is a rusty-bronze appearance of the underside of the leaves. The fruit of the southern magnolia is eaten by squirrels, rabbits and birds—including wild turkey. Japanese magnolias are best suited for Zones 4-9. The tree reaches 50 feet tall with a spread of 20 feet. Despite its name, the Southern Magnolia isn’t just a southern tree…in fact, it can thrive up north. It?s best to plant it in an ornamental bed along with other plants where the leaf litter can serve as a mulch. Features leathery leaves 5–10" in length, lustrous dark green on top with a soft, rusty underside. The southern magnolia can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 6–10. 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Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, is an aristocratic tree. USDA ZONES: Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9. Leaves and flowers are smaller than most other magnolias. Growth rate: Fast Average landscape size: Strong grower to 50 ft. and more tall, 25 to 35 ft. wide. One of the smallest of the magnolias, reaching 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The Little Gem magnolia grows approximately 1 to 2 feet per year. For more information, visit the Language Translation page. Its ease of growth and carefree nature make Southern Magnolia ideal for the low-maintenance landscape. Growth rate: Medium. However, the tree looks best when allowed to grow in a more open, natural form with branching all the way to the ground. While the pecan trees were left to the fields for production and harvest, the southern magnolia—also called the evergreen magnolia—was typically found growing along driveways and near houses. Ideal for small spaces and screening. Large, creamy white and very fragrant flowers grace this broad leafed evergreen in late spring and early summer. 974, The University of Georgia © 2020 | All rights reserved. Few trees can match it for … Once established, growth can be accelerated with light, frequent applications of fertilizer during the first three growing seasons. Magnolia grandiflora L.. Common name. The southern magnolia grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. This tree flowers at an early age and has dark green foliage with medium rusty-brown undersides. It?s best to plant it in an ornamental bed along with other plants where the leaf litter can serve as a mulch. Little gems can be considered a dwarf magnolia tree since they only grow about a quarter of the height of the magnolia grandiflora. It is surprising to see a Magnolia flower when it is only three or four feet tall. They bloom in May and June; some bloom through September. Jane Magnolia Pro Tip Growth Rate: This tree grows at a moderate rate (1 to 1½ feet per year). 1998. This large, stately, native North American evergreen tree with its large, beautiful, saucer-shaped, fragrant flowers is almost a Southern landscape tradition. This species of magnolia tree puts a wonderful turn on great assortments.. It grows at a slow rate to a height of perhaps 30 to 35 feet with an 8 to 12-foot spread and flowers at two or three years old. It's one of the largest magnolia species and grows up to 80 feet. The magnolia is a medium-sized tree, meaning that its full height ranges from 35 to 60 feet and its spread can reach about 15 feet around. Alternatively, you can feed with a natural organic plant food. Water thoroughly to settle the soil. Leaves Elliptic to Broadly Ovate, Dark Green, No Change, Evergreen. Be certain the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, then backfill with the native soil after breaking apart clods and removing stones or other debris. Truly captivating when trained as espalier against a wall or fence. Do not over water, as this can slow the growth rate of the tree. It can withstand some flooding and has moderate drought tolerance. It tends to be self-branching and forms a dense canopy. Tree spread is usually between 20 and 40 ft. The leaves are dark green with a silver underside. Magnolia Tree Bloom Period Sunlight Requirements Magnolia Tree Growth Rate USDA Zone Special Features; Alexandrina. With full height of twenty-five to thirty feet tall, they are an excellent choices for residential and commercial landscapes. A good choice for screening. The second year, increase the rate of the fertilizer to 2 cups and broadcast it in a donut-shaped area from the tips of the canopy to 3 feet beyond the canopy in March, May and July. It was transplanted by President Andrew Jackson from his home in Nashville, Tennessee, in memory of his beloved wife Rachel. It will be ready by spring to provide a boost to the spring flush of growth. Begin shaping the plant while it is young by selectively thinning side branches as needed to produce and maintain the desired growth form. It can also be grown as an espalier against a wall, but be prepared to provide extra care to train and maintain the tree in the desired shape. Type of foliage: Evergreen Form: Tree with single trunk, pyramidal to oval, irregular canopy symmetry Texture: Coarse Height: 18-25 m (60-80 ft). Dark green leaves with a brownish-rust underside. The Little Gem reaches only 20-25 feet with a spread of 8-12 feet and has a slow growth-rate, approximately 1 … By the third year, increase the rate to 4 cups and spread it in a donut-shaped area from the tips of the canopy to 6 feet beyond the canopy in March, May and July. Circular Rounded or Spreading Shape.