Southern Magnolia Trees for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide
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The southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an iconic tree known for its beautiful white blossoms. The species is named after Pierre Magnol, a French botanist who discovered the trees and introduced them to European culture. Southern magnolia trees are considered evergreen, as they hold on to most of their foliage through the winter.
- Grows well in warm climates.
- The tree features a moderate growth rate of 12 to 24 inches per year.
- The root system of the southern magnolia tree is shallow and hearty, spreading in a wide circumference around the planting site.
Plant Care
Sunlight
Magnolia trees need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Young trees should be watered twice per week. Once established, magnolia trees will only need extra watering during droughts.
Fertilizing
Fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-5-10 is ideal for magnolia trees.
Planting and Care
Planting instructions
Southern magnolia trees prefer a planting location that receives at least six to eight hours of full sun per day. To plant, start by digging a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly. Southern magnolia trees prefer well-drained soil. Due to their shallow root system, they are especially prone to problems caused by wet feet. Be sure to plant your magnolia tree away from sidewalks or concrete, as the roots’ growth will either be inhibited or cause severe damage.
Watering and nutrients
Young trees in their first year of growth should be watered at least twice weekly. After the trees establish themselves, they should only need supplemental watering during periods of drought. The southern magnolia tree requires 40 to 80 inches of annual rainfall in order to support healthy growth and blossoms. The species performs well when grown on a mound or raised bed, which improve drainage conditions. Southern magnolia trees are light feeders and do not require frequent fertilization — an annual application of compost or all-purpose fertilizer is plenty.
Pruning
Regular pruning is not necessary for the southern magnolia tree. You may prune away any dead or dying branches, as well as any diseased areas. When possible, avoid large cuts to the limbs of the tree, as the southern magnolia is slow to heal. When pruning diseased branches, be sure to sterilize your shears in between cuts to prevent further spread of the infection. Southern magnolias thrive when in their open, widespread form, which is why pruning should be performed lightly.
Pests, diseases, and animals
Southern magnolia trees are not known to attract many pests. They provide homes to a variety of species, including rabbits, birds, and beneficial insects. However, if you have weevils in your area, they may begin to bore into the trunk of young trees. This can be maintained and prevented with insecticides. Weevils are unable to fly, so spreading diatomaceous earth around infected trees can prevent further spread of the insect. The trees are prone to root rot when planted in dry or water-logged soil.
FAQs
How large do southern magnolia trees grow?
When southern magnolia trees are planted in ideal conditions, they can reach immense heights of over 120 feet. However, most individuals grow between 40 and 80 feet tall. The cone-shaped canopy reaches widths between 30 and 40 feet, while the trunk can grow between two and four feet wide. The species features a moderate growth rate, putting on 12 to 24 inches of new height each year. Southern magnolias that are properly cared for may live for over 100 years.
When do southern magnolia trees bloom?
In most climates, southern magnolia trees will bloom between May and June, with some flowers lasting throughout the summer and into the fall. The blossoms are a creamy-white color and are especially showy. They open large and wide and are accessible to a wide variety of pollinators. Various cultivars of the southern magnolia tree have been produced that feature different flower colors or bloom times. Popular varieties include Bracken’s Brown Beauty, Samuel Sommer, and Glen St. Mary.
Are southern magnolia trees a hardwood or softwood?
Southern magnolia trees are classified as a hardwood. While most evergreen trees are considered a softwood, an exception is made for this species. The creamy wood color has led to the tree’s use in decorative woodworking. Due to its average strength and split-resistance, it is also used in lumber production and general construction. Different magnolia cultivars will have different wood densities — for instance, the bigleaf southern magnolia has harder wood, making it more akin to oak or maple.
How can I identify a southern magnolia tree?
The most obvious way to recognize a southern magnolia tree is through its ornate flowers that arrive in early summer. The flowers are white, six to eight inches wide, and contain anywhere from six to 15 petals. However, there are many other features that can be used to identify the species. The oval-shaped leaves grow from five to eight inches long and two to three inches wide. The trunk is straight and features closely-spaced scales with a grayish-brown coloration.
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Customer Reviews
Southern magnoliaOnly been planted a couple weeks but so far they are looking good
Happy with treeGood experience with shipping and planting, will definitely buy more from them
Southern Magnolia reviewHello the tree arrived timely and looked amazing, I cant wait to plant it outside in the spring.
Southern MagnoliaVery healthy tree arrived packed very well. Put in ground immediately and appears to be settling in well. Southern Magnolias are used extensively in southwest Florida, and this specimen should join them proudly.
MagnoliaAppears to be in good health so far hope to see new growth soon
Excellent!Wonderful! Tree received in great shape with only a couple wilted leaves ...once in the ground those perked up and the tree is looking fabulous - can't wait to watch it grow!
too new to sayit arrived in pretty good condition; some brown leaves; bigger than I expected; seems to be doing well since I planted it a month ago; no idea when I will see any flowers.. in 6 months, or years?
RecommendIt's beautiful and is thriving I'm super happy with this order my wife absolutely loves it
Mature height |
30-50 ft. |
Mature width |
15-30 |
Sunlight requirement |
Full Sun |
Growth rate |
Moderate |
Botanical name |
Magnolia grandiflora 'Bracken's Brown Beauty' |
Shipping exclusions |
AZ,OR |
Grows Well In Zones |
7-9 |
Growing Zones: 7-9 i Growing zones help determine if a particular plant is likely to grow well in a location. It identifies the average annual minimum winter temperatures across the U.S. provided as a map by the USDA.
(hardy down to -10°F)- Ships in 1-2 days
- 1-Year Warranty Eligible
- Pots or accessories are not included unless specified in the product options.