Bigleaf Magnolia, Large-Leaved Cucumber Tree, Umbrella Tree
Noted for its unique enormous leaves, Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf Magnolia) is a magnificent, deciduous tree with a single trunk and a broad, rounded crown. In late spring to early summer, large, fragrant, creamy-white flowers, 8-10 in. across (20-25 cm), adorned with rose-purple at their petal bases, open after the leaves on mature trees (at least 12 years old). The blossoms are followed by egg-shaped fruits, which mature to red in late summer and open to reveal red-coated seeds suspended on slender threads. Many bird species and small mammals eat the red fleshy seeds. The foliage of huge oblong-obovate leaves, up to 36 in. long (90 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm), is green above and silvery-gray underneath. The bark is thin and gray. Bigleaf Magnolia makes a superb shade tree or specimen tree for a large landscape where it can be protected from high winds.
Magnolia belongs to the Magnoliaceae family, which includes several popular species such as the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata), Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana), and Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Plant Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus | Magnolia |
| Common names | Bigleaf Magnolia, Magnolia, Umbrella Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m) |
| Spread | 30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
| Native Plants | United States, Northeast, Maryland, Midwest, Ohio, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Plant Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus | Magnolia |
| Common names | Bigleaf Magnolia, Magnolia, Umbrella Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m) |
| Spread | 30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
| Native Plants | United States, Northeast, Maryland, Midwest, Ohio, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
How many Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf Magnolia) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf Magnolia) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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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!
