Alphabetical Plant Listing

Magnolia Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success

Saucer Magnolia, Southern Magnolia, Star Magnolia, Loebner Magnolia, Sweet Bay Magnolia, Cucumber Tree


A magnolia tree in full bloom is a stunning sight to behold.

What is Magnolia?

Magnolia is a genus of deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees that are widely known for their large, showy, fragrant flowers. There are over 200 species of magnolia, and they are native to East Asia and the Americas.

Flowers: One of the most iconic features of the magnolia tree is its large, showy flowers, which can range in color from white, pink, purple, and even yellow.  The flowers can range in size from a few inches to over a foot in diameter.

Fragrance: Many magnolia species are also prized for their fragrant flowers, which can fill a garden or landscape with a sweet, pleasant aroma.

Foliage: Magnolia trees are also prized for their evergreen or deciduous foliage, which can vary in shape and size depending on the species.

Bloom time: The trees typically bloom in the spring or summer.  One of the unique features of magnolia trees is that they are often among the first trees to bloom in the spring, with some species blooming as early as late winter. This makes them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color to their landscape early in the season. These trees are also prized for their long blooming season, which can last several weeks or even months.

Size: Magnolia trees can vary in size from small shrubs, up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall to large trees that can reach heights of up to 80 feet (24 meters) or more. They are long-lived, with some specimens living for over 100 years.

Uses: In addition to their ornamental value, magnolia trees have also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The bark, leaves, and flowers of the magnolia tree have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Some studies suggest that magnolia bark extract may have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-cancer properties.

Hardiness: Magnolias have different hardiness zones depending on the species and cultivar. Generally, they can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 10. The sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) can grow in zones 5 to 9, while the southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is hardy in zones 7 to 10.

Whether you're looking for a large shade tree or a compact shrub, there is a magnolia species that will fit your needs. With proper planting and care, your magnolia tree or shrub can provide years of beauty and enjoyment.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Magnolia Guides with Magnolia

Magdanatka, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Magnolia Guides with Magnolia

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.