20 Different Types of Magnolia Trees
Magnolias are a favorite flower for many floral enthusiasts and decorators for interiors and landscaping. They work well with cut bouquets and are frequently the subject of paintings and other artistic endeavors. However, many may not realize that there are so many types of Magnolia trees. Unlike a pine tree, for example, a magnolia is one that doesn’t grow everywhere, and it isn’t as common in every yard. Here are 20 of the most beloved Magnolias out there. You may or may not have heard of some of them, but they are worth knowing and appreciating.
1. Southern Magnolia
The Southern Magnolia is probably the most well-known to the public. They are located all over the southern states and can grow to staggering heights. The average size of these trees at maturity is anywhere from 40 to 80 feet. They feature large, broad, deep green leaves that have a waxy appearance on top and fuzzy brown undersides that feel velvety. Anyone who wants to experiment with growing them will be pleased with how hearty they are and how fast they grow.
2. Star Magnolia
The Star Magnolia is a willowy yet stunning flower that makes its grand appearance late in the year. The trees only reach up to 20 feet in height, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces or areas where you want to control the size of trees in your space. They look incredible when they bloom with others in an area. They are also hearty and resist frost. They are ideal for moderate to cooler climates in zones four through eight.
3. Chinese Magnolia
The Chinese Magnolia is a very showy flowering tree that produces pink and white flowers. They have an incredibly strong scent that is pleasant and a favorite of enthusiasts. They bloom in warmer spring months and grow in zones 6 through 9. They prefer soil with good drainage and attract many desirable insects and creatures, such as butterflies. They are a great addition to gardens in areas with moderate temperatures.
4. Sweetbay Magnolia
The Sweetbay Magnolia is more like the Southern Magnolia in its shape and color. It grows more densely and tends to bloom in the early months of summer. This is a great choice for people who want a flowering tree that is showy and resists common pests. They look incredible when planted in multiples and close together. These magnolia trees are also resistant to very moist soil and grow quickly. They can get up to 25 feet high and do well in areas in all four seasons. They do best in zones five through 10.
5. Magnolia Acuminata
The Magnolia Acuminata also goes by the name Cucumber Magnolia. This large tree can reach heights of up to 70 feet and produces pyramid-shaped green to yellow magnolia flowers. The leaves range from light to dark green. The trunk is often devoid of large branches. It does best in moist soil in rainy areas of the Eastern U.S. with access to dense forests or along waterways. This tree does best in stable, mild, to cooler climates with clean soil and water.
6. Bigleaf Magnolia
The Bigleaf Magnolia really lives up to its name. It produces flowers with huge leaves and flowers that are even larger than those of the Southern Magnolia. Leaves can be over three feet in length and nearly one foot across. They are likely to flourish in areas with plenty of sun and dry, well-drained soil such as sand. They can withstand periods of drier conditions and make a striking addition to a larger landscape scheme. Just be wary of the acidic litter they collect at their base and around their growing space. It can be a chore to clean up after them.
7. Lilly Magnolia
The Lilly Magnolia is a favorite of growers and used to create many types of hybrids. Specifically, the “Nigra” variation is the most beautiful, according to enthusiasts and experts. They have pink and purple flowers and grow on small shrub-like trees. They produce larger flowers and cone-like fruits. Their leaves are dark green, and the flowers bloom in the warmer months. They are somewhat temperamental, however, and susceptible to late-summer mold. They grow best in zones five through eight and reach up to 12 feet high. They prefer moist soil and full sun with balanced to slightly acidic soil.
8. Magnolia Tripetala
The Magnolia Tripetala is also known as the Umbrella Tree. It grows in the Eastern U.S. and prefers moderate climates. It blooms in the spring and produces thin, broad, white flowers with red stamens. They like full sun and plenty of water with good drainage. They are ideal for landscaping and enhancing your property. The best areas for optimal growth are zones five through eight. These low-maintenance magnolias are ideal for beginner growers and pros alike.
9. Jane Magnolia Tree
The Jane Magnolia tree is very showy, with blooms that range in color from white to pink and purple. They are hearty and do well with lots of sun throughout the day. One issue with growing this magnolia tree is the length of time it takes for them to produce flowers. You can wait up to five years to get them to begin producing, but the results are impressive. They are also on the smaller side and don’t usually grow over 12 feet high. They are ideal for landscaping purposes or to accent some sections of the property that can use a lift.
10. Magnolia Kobus
A Kobus Magnolia is unlike many of the species you envision when you think about magnolias. They are of a smaller size and grow naturally in some areas of Japan. This spring-blooming plant is known for its appealing scent, and the flowers tend to be in full bloom around March. The flowers themselves are pink and white and smaller than the likes of the Southern or Sweetbay Magnolia flowers. They are often temperamental when it comes to moisture levels in the soil as well as temperature changes. This species is best in zones five through eight and in the hands of those with more flower-growing skills.
11. Yulan Magnolia
A Yulan Magnolia is found predominately in Chinese horticulture and landscaping practices. It is a smaller flowering tree that produces pink flowers with fruit in the warm weather months. They have a unique appearance that makes them eye-catching and unique. They produce fruits and showy seeds, which are also attractive. They are ideal for use in areas with plenty of sun throughout the day and do best with plenty of space to grow to their full height of approximately 40 feet.
12. Oyama Magnolia
The Oyama Magnolia or Magnolia Seiboldii is a unique and prized multi-colored beauty. It features a deep red center with showy white petals. They produce a cup-shaped flower that blooms late in the year. Their leaves have a coarse texture, and they only reach about 15 feet in height. They do well in moderate temperatures and rich soil with adequate drainage. They grow best in zones six through eight.
13. Anise Magnolia
The Anise Magnolia is a unique tree that has medium white flowers. This flower is known for being edible and has an anise flavor. Some other attributes include a gray-colored bark and willowy leaves. It’s a great option for areas where there are milder temperatures. Preferably in zones six through nine. They would ideally grow in an area with partial sun and good soil drainage. Be particularly careful in areas where there are late frosts and extreme temperatures throughout the year.
14. Teddy Bear Magnolia
The Teddy Bear Magnolia tree produces a compact follower with fragrant flowers. The center is light to creamy white or yellow. The leaves are dark green with a brown underside. They produce flowers that are up to eight inches across. They are ideal for zones seven through nine and require full sun and moderate temperatures. They don’t do well in harsh winter temperatures.
15. Galaxy Magnolia
The Galaxy Magnolia is prized by those who landscape and grow it for shows. This tree reaches up to 40 feet and has a narrow, cone-shaped pink flower. They are known for winning multiple awards and produce flowers that are pink to purple in color and densely flowered. They are ideal for sunny areas and like moist, well-drained soil. They can grow in most soil types unless they have standing water or poor drainage. This is an ideal tree for those serious about producing bright, showy flowers in their space.
16. Fraser Magnolia
The Fraser Magnolia is also known as the Mountain Magnolia. It grows in many areas across the Southern US, Appalachia, and the Gulf Coast Plain. They grow large flowers that are bright white, and they also have very large leaves. They bloom during the early to late spring and produce pods or fruit. They have a course textured leaf and grow in warm to moderate climates with plenty of moisture and well-drained soil. They were named after a Scottish botanist named John Fraser and are grown widely by novices and landscape professionals.
17. Bracken’s Brown Beauty Magnolia
The Bracken’s Brown Beauty Magnolia is known for its lovely foliage and highly fragrant white flowers. Their flowers are up to six inches in diameter, and the leaves are a deep leathery green with rich reddish brown undersides. They are pest and drought resistant and even tolerate colder-than-average conditions. They are ideal for zones five through nine and require full sun and good soil drainage.
18. Magnolia Serengeti
The Magnolia Serengeti or Diva is a rare and unusual variety found throughout Europe and the United States. It has smaller pink flowers that resemble the Azalea flower. They have a tall yet bushy appearance and produce delicate flowers approximately four inches across. The flowers are very fragrant and grow well in landscaped yards. They need moderate temperature, moderate partial sun, and good drainage. They grow best in zones five through eight and reach a height of up to 50 feet.
19. Little Gem Magnolia Tree
The Little Gem Magnolia is a smaller version of the Southern Magnolia. This drawf variety has the characteristics of the Southern Magnolia tee with smaller features. They produce showy, white flowers with green leaves that have fuzzy brown undersides. They emit a strong, pleasant fragrance prized by growers. They are pretty hardy and grow best in zones six through ten. They also bloom early in the season and grow up to 20 feet in height. However, they grow slowly and do well in loam, sand, and clay-based acidic soil.
20. Loebner Magnolia
The Loebner Magnolia tree is a hybrid of two previously mentioned magnolia species. It’s a cross between the Kobus and the Star Magnolia. This larger tree grows up to 30 feet high and does well in multiple environments. It’s especially prized for larger landscaping projects. However, it needs moderate moisture levels and doesn’t tolerate dry conditions very well. Avoid planting them in sandy soil and areas with mostly shade during the day. It’s a big, wide, full tree ideal for growing in zones six through nine.
A Wide Variety of Magnolia Trees
There are tons of beautiful and unique magnolia trees to plant and enjoy. The 20 listed in this piece represent a few of the most popular and versatile varieties you can find. Keep in mind that not all areas are ideal for some trees, so considering your zone and precipitation levels is key to growing healthy trees with beautiful flowers.
