Magnolia Flowering Plants and Nursery Tree Seedlings
The Magnolias have been planted in this country for almost two hundred years. Of the 100 or so members of the Magnolia Family (magnoliaceae), about 35 species are native to North and Central America, with nine species native to the United States. The
rest are primarily found in eastern Asia. These are split between evergreen and deciduous trees and tall shrubs.
Some of the Magnolias are valuable for lumber, like the Cucumber Tree, Tulip Tree, Southern Magnolia, the Sweetbay, and the Fraser Magnolia, which are the taller tree-forms, with most of the others being the shrub to small tree types. Some species, the
bark and fruits are used in medicine, but Magnolias are most noteworthy for their large fragrant showy flowers. In the landscape design, Magnolias are planted often as solitary specimens where they can be seen, but tree-lines and hedges are also ways to
use them.
Of the Evergreen Magnolias, the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and the Sweetbay (Magnolia viginiana) are the most popularly planted.
The Southern Magnolia is found across the southern states, from Zones 7 to 10, and grows well in heat and damp soils. The flowers can get a foot across, and have a sweet fragrance, making these the most sought after type of Magnolia. As an evergreen,
they will drop leaves all year long, and heavier in the fall, making continual clean-up. Sometimes used as a street or lawn tree, the large spreading root systems can have a disasterous effect on pavement and grass growth, so they do need their own
space.
The Sweetbay flowers are not as large as the Southern, but they too are sweet smelling. Like the Southern, these are also plantable from Zones 7 to 10, and should be placed in areas where lawns or walkways will not be effected by their roots.
The other type of Magnolias are the deciduous types, primarily tall shrubs. These are often broken into two major groups, the Saucer Group (Magnolia xsoulangeana), and the Star Group, like the Kobus Magnolia.
With the many varieties, the flower shapes, sizes, and colors will vary. Magnolias are typically thought of as being creamy white, but pinks, reds, purple, and even yellow colors have been developed.
The shrub-types are used mostly as specimens where the blooms can be seen. Planted in Japanese gardens, along walkways, or against a building are common. If planted in a lawn area, like the tree-forms, give them plenty of space.
Another Magnolia tree that is gainng attention is the Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuimanta). This medium-sized tree has been used some as a lumber tree, but its usage in the landscape is best for a shade tree or specimen. The flowers are small and less
noticeable then other Magnolias, greenish in color, but they still make an interesting tree. Plant these from Zones 5 to 9.
The Yellow Poplar or Tulip-Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is more widely planted as a shade tree than for the small but noticeable greenish flowers. A fast growing tall tree, these are planted from Zones 5 to 9 (and sometimes into Zone 10).
How-To Care for Magnolias:
The first and primary consideration is the location for the Magnolia. The tree-forms should be given plenty of space around the trunk, where digging or disturbance will be minimal. Magnolia roots are sensitive, and once planted, they don't like being
moved. The shrub-types require less space, but still need enough for their shallow sensitive roots.
Like many trees and shrubs, the Magnolia likes rich well-drained with plenty of organic materials. Water-logged soils can cause root problems in most species, except the Sweetbay which is very tolerant of wet conditions.
Watering needs to be regular and deep, with care not to saturate the ground.
Fertilizing is always a good question, and most types will be fine, but a slow-release type is better. The key is to have plenty of organic materials in the soil, which acts as a reservior or slow-release for the roots. In alkalai soils, adding an
iron-chelate will help with leaves that yellow.
Pruning is best on the evergreen types before the spring growth starts, and after flowering on the deciduous types. Cuts are slow to callus over, so use a tree-paint for greater than an inch across.
Some of the Magnolias are in limited in availability for next season, so you would want to order yours now.
Also consider the Tulip Tree. A fast grower, and fascinating leaves, these are great for shade and more...
There are many types of beautiful flowering trees, and the Magnolias have been increasingly popular, especially as new varieties are introduced every year.
We have good success shipping the Magnolias during most of the season. Depending on your location, we will start shipping
as early as January (but usually mid-April for the northern states). 
We sometimes trim them back like this Star Magnolia,
but they usually get treated with a product called Wilt-Pruf to help them ship better.
The Southern is plentiful, and there are a few in a larger size, so always ask if you have questions.
Order early, we can Book an order up to a year ahead of time.
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