Magnolia grandiflora
An evergreen species from the southeastern United States, this magnolia is grown for huge, creamy white flowers and lustrous foliage. It forms a pyramidal to rounded tree that suits large properties and parks. Individual blooms can reach 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm) across with a rich perfume. It performs best in warm climates with long summers and mild winters in USDA Zones 7 to 9. Give it room to mature because lower limbs often sweep the ground. Plant where soils are moist and well drained and where winter winds are limited.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species (evergreen)
- Height × spread: 60 to 80 ft × 30 to 50 ft (18 to 24 m × 9 to 15 m)
- Bloom window: May to June; sporadic into summer
- Color & flower form: White; large cup‑shaped flowers
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: Zones 7 to 9
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Evergreen canopy and broad stature compared with most deciduous magnolias.
- Later bloom than early spring types; flowers continue intermittently through summer.
- Leaves are large, leathery, and glossy with tan to rusty undersides.
- Better heat and humidity tolerance than most magnolias.
Strengths
- Showy, strongly scented flowers.
- Evergreen screening and year‑round structure.
- Tolerates light shade and some urban air pollution.
- Attractive cone‑like fruits with red seeds.
Care in one minute
- Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, organically rich, well‑drained, acidic soil.
- Water regularly the first two growing seasons; keep an even soil moisture.
- Mulch the wide root zone 2 to 3 in deep; avoid soil compaction over roots.
- Fertilize lightly in spring only if soil tests indicate need.
- Prune minimally right after bloom to raise canopy or remove crossing wood.
- In colder areas, site in a protected spot and consider hardier selections.
Watch‑outs
- Too large for small yards; needs ample space.
- Leaves and spent flowers drop through the season and are slow to decompose.
- Can become chlorotic in alkaline soils; prefers acidic conditions.
- Scale insects can occur; monitor and manage as needed.
- Borderline hardy north of Zone 7; select hardy cultivars if needed.
Best uses (tags)
specimen, evergreen screen, large landscapes, fragrance, wildlife
Provenance note
Native to moist woods of the southeastern United States; long cultivated as a signature tree of the American South.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Magnolia grandiflora
- NC State Extension – Magnolia grandiflora
- UF/IFAS – Magnolia grandiflora (ST371)
- ASPCA – Magnolia bush (Magnolia stellata) Non‑Toxic to Dogs & Cats control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/magnolia-bush
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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