Magnolias

Magnolia trees are quite diverse. They have a variety of leaf shapes and forms that are either evergreen or deciduous. Their wonderfully fragrant blooms come in an assortment of colors including white, pink, red, purple, or yellow. They aren’t usually munched on by deer and make for an exceptional specimen tree. There is such a wide selection, you’re sure to be able to find one to perfectly fit your needs.

Magnolia Tree Types

 

Deciduous magnolias with star flowers: The star magnolias (M. stellata) are cold-hardy,

Waterlily Magnolia Image provided by Monrovia

heat-tolerant, and adaptable plants. These are the first to bloom and are bursting onto the scene right now with their star-like flowers and intoxicating fragrance! They stay smaller and can be kept as a shrub or pruned into a small tree.

Varieties We Carry:
Waterlily Star Magnolia

Star Magnolia

Deciduous magnolias: This group includes the popular saucer magnolia (M. x soulangeana) and its myriad of selections. They are often called tulip trees because of the shape and bright color of their flowers. These are just starting to bloom now and will soon be filling the air with glorious fragrance. The stunning blooms are its crowning glory, but its silvery bark remains attractive year-round, making for nice winter interest. We carry several different varieties including many new hybrids, such as Betty Magnolia, which stays nice and compact, and Butterfly Magnolia, which has yellow blooms.

Varieties We Carry:

Saucer Magnolia

Alexander Magnolia
Betty Magnolia
Marilyn Magnolia
Rose Marie Magnolia
Butterflies Magnolia

Evergreen magnolias: The classic Southern magnolia has large, glossy leaves and huge, fragrant white blossoms. It is the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana. We are fortunate that this belle grows here in Oregon as well! Few trees can match it for year-round beauty. The Southern Magnolia are very popular as they provide screening while allowing room for plantings underneath. They bloom later than other types of Magnolias-usually May-June. While they are evergreen, they do shed their oldest leaves periodically throughout the year. We carry varieties that stay narrower as well as ones that spread out and get full sized.

Southern Magnolia

          Varieties We Carry:
Little Gem Southern Magnolia
Saint Mary Southern Magnolia
Samuel Sommers Southern Magnolia
Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia

 

Magnolia Tree Culture

The best soil for magnolias is fairly rich and well-drained. If necessary, add generous amounts of organic matter when planting. Our Garden Valley Planting Compost is perfect for amending soil, especially if your soil tends to be clay-like. All varieties appreciate deep, consistent and even moisture in summer.

Espoma Bio-tone Starter Fertilizer

Avoid extremes of very dry or very wet soil. When planting, dig a hole that is just as deep as the pot and twice as wide. Back fill hole with 50% compost 50% native soil and a dose of starter fertilizer. We recommend Espoma Bio-Tone Starter Plus because it contains great beneficial fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. This helps your tree to get established quicker and grow bigger! Once your tree is planted, avoid disturbing the root zone. It is not recommended to till or plant large plants close to the trunk. They like to be left alone once they are planted. Now step back and enjoy!