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Magnolia tripetala (Umbrella Magnolia)

Umbrella Tree, Umbrella Magnolia, Magnolia virginiana var. tripetala

Magnolia tripetala, Umbrella Tree, Umbrella Magnolia, Magnolia virginiana var. tripetala
Magnolia tripetala, Umbrella Tree, Umbrella Magnolia, Magnolia virginiana var. tripetala
Magnolia macrophylla, Bigleaf Magnolia, Large-Leaved Cucumber Tree, Umbrella Tree

Noted for its enormous leaves, Magnolia tripetala (Umbrella Magnolia) is a remarkable deciduous tree, often multi-trunked, with a broad, open crown of spreading branches. From mid-spring to early summer, large, unpleasantly fragrant, bowl-shaped, creamy-white flowers, 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), open shortly after the leaves emerge. The blossoms are followed by cone-shaped, rosy-red fruits which ripen in the fall. They are a food source for birds and small mammals. The shiny green, ovate to oblong leaves are huge, up to 24 in. long (60 cm) and 10 in. wide (25 cm). They are clustered at the stem tips and resemble the spokes of an umbrella. The bark is thin and gray. Native to the eastern United States, Umbrella Magnolia occurs naturally in rich, moist woods, ravines, slopes, and along streams. It makes a capital subject as a background for a small lawn where it can be protected from high winds.

  • Grows up to 15-30 ft. tall and wide (450-900 cm)
  • Performs best in part shade in organically rich, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Plants will grow in full sun, particularly in the northern climates, as long as soils are kept moist. Tolerates close to full shade. 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.
  • Propagate by seed or greenwood cuttings taken in summer.
  • Native to the eastern United States in the Appalachian Mountains, the Ozarks, and the Ouachita Mountains.

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
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Magnoliaceae
Genus Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 15' - 30'
(4m - 9m)
Spread 15' - 30'
(4m - 9m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, 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, Korean Mountain Magnolia, Siebold's Magnolia, White magnolia, White flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem', Southern Magnolia 'Little Gem', Evergreen Magnolia 'Little Gem', Loblolly Magnolia 'Little Gem', Great Laurel Magnolia 'Little Gem', Big Laurel 'Little Gem', Bull Bay 'Little Gem'
Magnolia grandiflora 'Exmouth', Southern Magnolia 'Exmouth', Evergreen Magnolia 'Exmouth', Loblolly Magnolia 'Exmouth', Great Laurel Magnolia 'Exmouth', Big Laurel 'Exmouth', Bull Bay 'Exmouth'
Magnolia grandiflora, Southern Magnolia, Evergreen Magnolia, Loblolly Magnolia, Great Laurel Magnolia, Big Laurel, Bull Bay
Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris', Southern Magnolia 'Kay Parris', Evergreen Magnolia 'Kay Parris', Loblolly Magnolia 'Kay Parris', Great Laurel Magnolia 'Kay Parris', Big Laurel 'Kay Parris', Bull Bay 'Kay Parris'
Magnolia macrophylla, Bigleaf Magnolia, Large-Leaved Cucumber Tree, Umbrella Tree
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 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Magnoliaceae
Genus Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 15' - 30'
(4m - 9m)
Spread 15' - 30'
(4m - 9m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, United States, Virginia, West Virginia
Attracts Birds
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Guides with
Magnolia
Not sure which Magnolia to pick?
Compare Now

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