How to Grow and Care for Magnolia Trees
About Magnolia Tree
Magnolia Tree (Magnolia grandiflora) grows 60 to 80 feet tall and is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10. It grows best in full sun to part sun with medium water.
Southern magnolia is a serious commitment when selected as the tree to plant in the home garden because this mighty giant can grow to 60′-80′ tall with a spread of 40′, and it lives for 80-120 years. A pair of these majestic evergreen trees makes a wonderful statement in the front yard of most homes, and the incredibly wonderful scent of the huge 12″ creamy white flowers in May and June can perfume an area for half a block. The fruit is a brown cone 3″-5″ long with red seeds. The trees provide utility-saving shade in the summer and protect the area beneath from hail. This tree is native to the southeastern United States, hardiness zones 6-10, and will thrive for generations even in drought conditions, providing thick green glossy leaves that are used for wreaths and other decorations in all seasons. There are varieties of Southern magnolia that will not swallow the entire yard. Two of the smaller ones are ‘Teddy Bear’ (16′-20′ tall and 10′-12′ wide) and ‘Little Gem’ (20′-25′ tall and 10′-15′ wide). There are also a couple of mid-sized trees that fall in between the original very large tree and these two smaller varieties. Although considered the belle of the ball in southern gardens, this tree does have a couple of disadvantages to consider before planting. One is the deep shade beneath the large trees that will prevent growing plants that need four to six hours of sun per day. The other is the leaf drop, which happens regularly, but is especially heavy in the spring when new leaves are forming and old leaves are lost. To the homeowner this creates a weeks-long need for repeatedly raking the large leathery leaves which do not easily decompose.
When to Plant Magnolia Trees
Plant magnolia trees in spring or early fall. Southern magnolias establish best when planted in spring.
How to Plant Magnolia Trees
Choose a full sun location well-away from cement sidewalks and driveways. Dig a hole three times the width and just as deep as the root ball and hold the tree straight while the hole is backfilled. Tamp down the soil and water well to settle the soil, then apply mulch to the area, keeping it three inches from the trunk of the tree. It takes trees three to ten years to bloom. Propagation is by stem cuttings in the summer when new growth is apparent. Clip six inch cuttings from ends of new branches and remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem. Scrape the lower inch of the stem, and insert the stem into rooting hormone, then place in potting mixture. Do not water, but place entire pot in a plastic bag. Every ten days open the bag and spray with water. After 3-4 weeks check for roots. When stem has rooted remove bag and place pot in shade and water daily, then transplant to a larger pot.
Magnolia Tree Care
Water the new tree twice weekly until established, but after that rainfall should be sufficient to maintain the health of the tree. If there is an extended period of drought, provide irrigation as needed.
Fertilizing Magnolia Trees
Not necessary at all to fertilize these beauties, but if new growth is noticeably slow, provide a timed release fertilizer in the early spring.
Pruning Magnolia Trees
Prune dead leaves and branches in the late winter. Lower branches will need to be removed if a taller trunk is preferred, otherwise, the tree will spread across 20′-30′ of lawn area with branches as low as 1′ off the ground.
Magnolia Tree Pests and Diseases
Occasionally attacked by the black twig borer, which bores a tiny hole on the underside of a twig to lay her eggs. The larvae hatch and feed inside the twig which then dies. This does not threaten the life of the tree, and unsightly twigs can be removed and tossed.
Are Magnolia Trees Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
No. The ASPCA lists magnolia as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. If you think a pet has eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Magnolia Tree FAQs
How fast do magnolia trees grow?
Southern magnolia grows moderately, about 1 to 2 feet a year, eventually reaching 60 to 80 feet tall.
When do magnolia trees bloom?
Southern magnolias bloom in late spring and early summer, with large, fragrant white flowers.
Can you grow a magnolia tree in a small yard?
Full-size southern magnolias need plenty of room. Compact cultivars like ‘Little Gem’ reach 20 to 25 feet and suit smaller yards.
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