Few plants are as quintessentially Southern as Magnolias. And few flowers are as lovely. Magnolia grandiflora is truly a grand towering tree with immense, creamy white, fragrant flowers up to 12” across. In my part of Virginia, trees usually flower in June. Fruit that resemble large upright cones with red seeds appear after the flowers.
This broadleaf evergreen has few drawbacks and makes a statement wherever it is planted. It has been prized by Virginians since Colonial times.
Magnolias need space. They can grow up to 80’ tall and 50’ wide. There are some smaller cultivars available, if space is limited. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ grows about 20-25’ tall and 10-15’ wide.
The leathery leaves can be as much as 10” long and 5” wide. They are shiny, dark green on top and brown, gray or paler green on bottom.
Leaves with a brown reverse are especially favored by gardeners during the winter holidays. These leaves are a popular choice to back traditional boxwood and evergreen wreaths or to use in holiday garlands. Flowers are lovely floated in a large flat bowl.
There are many reasons to like Southern Magnolias and few negatives. They are native to much of the Southeastern United States and reliably hardy in zones 7-9. They are rarely bothered by insects and are not disease prone.
They grow in most locations. Magnolias love full sun, but can do well in partial shade. In full sun, the dark leaves may bleach a bit.
They tolerate damp areas and a fair amount of moisture, but will grow well in drought conditions once established. They do not like to stand in water, however, so the soil does need to drain well. Like other broadleaf evergreens, they prefer an acid soil.
Take the time initially to plant a magnolia with care. Dig a wide, relatively shallow hole – about 3X or 4X as wide as the container or root ball. Ensure the young tree sits at the same depth as it did in its pot. The soil line should go no higher up the trunk.
Fill the hole with water. Wait and let it drain. Mix good soil and/or compost in with the clay, if not planting in a prepared bed. Break up all soil clumps before packing soil around the root ball. Water heavily and wait for the soil to drain again. If soil sinks around the plant due to air pockets, fill in with more a bit soil.
Water newly planted magnolias as needed during the first season or two to get them established and growing well. After magnolias have settled in, they benefit from a simple 10-10-10 fertilizer applied a couple of times a year.
While evergreen all winter, Magnolias do drop leaves and cones every year and can be considered messy.
A stately magnolia anchors one corner of the village Memorial Garden maintained by the garden club of which I am a member. It is in full bloom now. What a glorious flowering tree!