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Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf Magnolia)

Bigleaf Magnolia, Large-Leaved Cucumber Tree, Umbrella Tree

Magnolia macrophylla, Bigleaf Magnolia, Large-Leaved Cucumber Tree, Umbrella Tree
Magnolia macrophylla, Bigleaf Magnolia, Large-Leaved Cucumber Tree, Umbrella Tree
Magnolia macrophylla, 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.

  • Grows up to 30-40 ft. tall and wide (9-12 m)
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in organically rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Tolerates clay loam soils and sandy soils and is moderately tolerant of drought. Does not withstand extreme drought or wetness, or pollution. Protection from wind helps to preserve the huge leaves.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. Leaves can create a maintenance issue at leaf drops in the fall.
  • Propagate by fresh seed sown in fall, stratified seed, or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.
  • Native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and the southeastern United States.

Magnolia Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for a magnolia tree like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of this striking tree

Requirements

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 Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Midwest, Mississippi, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, South Carolina, Southeast, Tennessee, United States, Virginia, West Virginia
Attracts Birds
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Magnolia sieboldii (Oyama Magnolia)
Magnolia tripetala (Umbrella Magnolia)
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ (Southern Magnolia)
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Exmouth’ (Southern Magnolia)
Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Kay Parris’ (Southern Magnolia)

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Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)
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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.
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Requirements

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 Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Midwest, Mississippi, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, South Carolina, Southeast, Tennessee, United States, Virginia, West Virginia
Attracts Birds
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Magnolia
Not sure which Magnolia to pick?
Compare Now

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