Since the tree sheds old leaves each spring and seed pods in late summer, it can be messy when planted in a lawn area. Leaves are smaller than most other magnolias, 2 to 4 inches wide and 3 to 6 inches long. Both laid claim to being the namesake of the tree and James finally resolved the good-natured debate by purchasing the land the tree stood on and making his home there for over 30 years. During the first growing season after establishment, apply ½ pound (1 cup) of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer along the perimeter of the planting hole in March, May and July. Magnolia grandiflora L.. Common name. Southern magnolia is most frequently grown as a single specimen tree in the landscape. Recent updates, initiatives and programs from UGA Extension. Today, there are several superior cultivars of Southern magnolia on the market (Table 1). Planting several of the trees forms a dense hedge. Its coarse-textured leaves provide an excellent background for shrubs, particularly needle evergreens. However, the tree looks best when allowed to grow in a more open, natural form with branching all the way to the ground. The large, thick, and glossy evergreen leaves cast heavy, cool shade below, making it a perfect tree to rest under on a hot summer day. It is hardy to 5 degrees. Considered a small magnolia tree, it is deciduous and compact, growing only to about 15 feet tall (many consider it to be a shrub). Find out what Extension has for you! Leathery, lustrous, dark green leaves with rich, orange-brown undersides. Users agree that automated translations may not effectively convert the intended design, meaning, and/or context of the website, may not translate images or PDF content, and may not take into account regional language differences. Contact your local UGA Extension office to find out how our team of county agents can assist you. Horticulture. Southern magnolia is most frequently grown as a single specimen tree in the landscape. And it’s versatile – it’s considered an ornamental tree for its iconic blooms and a privacy tree for its large stature and evergreen leaves. Tree is recovering and leafing out … To many people, the word "magnolia" is synonymous with our native Magnolia grandiflora, the classic Southern magnolia with large, glossy leaves and huge, fragrant white blossoms―the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana. Feed in spring with a slow-release shrub & tree food, preferably one that contains Sulfur and/or Iron for deep greening of foliage. The Magnolia Tree for the North and the South Why Southern Magnolia Trees? It grows 10 to 15 feet tall, and 5 to 10 feet wide, making it the littlest Magnolia choice out of the assortments we convey. With the same wonderful attributes of the hardy Southern Magnolia Tree in a smaller, more manageable package, the Little Gem Magnolia Tree is ideal for landscapes that can't accommodate the 40-foot width of a typical magnolia. Type of foliage: Evergreen Form: Tree with single trunk, pyramidal to oval, irregular canopy symmetry Texture: Coarse Height: 18-25 m (60-80 ft). It was transplanted by President Andrew Jackson from his home in Nashville, Tennessee, in memory of his beloved wife Rachel. The second year, increase the rate of the fertilizer to 2 cups and broadcast it in a donut-shaped area from the tips of the canopy to 3 feet beyond the canopy in March, May and July. USDA ZONES: Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9. General characteristics. Rounded or Spreading Shape. Some are de… An upright, pyramidal tree growing 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide. For more than a century, we've provided research and education through a Very little lustrous dark green leaves. Some call it the Jones Magnolia because two unrelated boys were born to Jones families the same year the tree was planted. Dark green leaves with a brownish-rust underside. UGA Extension is not responsible for any damages, costs, liability, or risk associated with any use, functionality, and/or content of the website translations. Tree Characteristics. The Jane Magnolia tree is an exceptional excellent tree. Do not over water, as this can slow the growth rate of the tree. Growth slows when the tree has aged to about 50 years old. Very attractive, large, white, fragrant blooms. Another popular characteristic is a rusty-bronze appearance of the underside of the leaves. The fruit of the southern magnolia is eaten by squirrels, rabbits and birds—including wild turkey. Capable of growing at a moderate rate to a height of 80 feet or more with a 30 to 40-foot spread, southern magnolia forms a dense (more open in the shade), dark green pyramidal shape, the lower branches often bending to the ground. Southern Magnolia are light feeders, however will benefit from fertilization. A good choice for screening. Some types will only have a spread of 10 to 20ft. Once established, growth can be accelerated with light, frequent applications of fertilizer during the first three growing seasons. The Little Gem magnolia grows approximately 1 to 2 feet per year. Any person that uses the translated site does so at that person’s own risk. However, in the same study, magnolia provided much less benefit in terms of carbon dioxide (CO 2) reductions due mainly to its relative slower growth rate and smaller tree size. Published on Sep 23, 2009Published with Full Review on Sep 01, 2012Published with Full Review on Aug 07, 2017. Don't be alarmed if the tree sheds an unusually large number of leaves during the first growing season; transplant shock is common with Southern magnolia. Magnolia x soulangiana ‘Alexandrina’ 20-25 ft. 20-25 ft. Purple-Pink: Deciduous: Mid to Late Spring-Summer: Full Sun: Moderate This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year. Southern magnolia can be grown in sun or shade. The Southern magnolia is a large tree that benefits from warm weather. A 2000 Georgia Gold Medal Winner. This is a magnificent tree of the South. Extravagantly large plant with large leaves and large, profuse flowers up to 12 inches in diameter. Growth Rate: This tree grows at a moderate rate (1 to 1½ feet per year). Finally, apply 3 to 5 inches of mulch on the soil surface to conserve moisture and to prevent weeds. Another historic specimen grows on the White House grounds. Field Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Production, Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program, Coronavirus (COVID-19) information, resources, and updates for Georgia communities, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, UGA College of Family & Consumer Sciences. For more information, visit the Language Translation page. Reaches 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It grows at a slow rate to a height of perhaps 30 to 35 feet with an 8 to 12-foot spread and flowers at two or three years old. While the pecan trees were left to the fields for production and harvest, the southern magnolia—also called the evergreen magnolia—was typically found growing along driveways and near houses. Grows to 60' to 80', 40' spread. Jane Magnolia Pro Tip Magnolias are entwined with the history of the south. They bloom in May and June; some bloom through September. It?s best to plant it in an ornamental bed along with other plants where the leaf litter can serve as a mulch. A selection from Bold Springs Nursery in Monroe, Ga., with lustrous, wavy, dark green leaves and a tight, dense form growing 30 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Water thoroughly to settle the soil. Southern magnolias grow from 1 to 2 feet a year, reaching 60 to 80 feet tall with canopies spreading 30 to 50 feet wide. Despite its name, the Southern Magnolia isn’t just a southern tree…in fact, it can thrive up north. This large, stately, native North American evergreen tree with its large, beautiful, saucer-shaped, fragrant flowers is almost a Southern landscape tradition. The magnolia is a medium-sized tree, meaning that its full height ranges from 35 to 60 feet and its spread can reach about 15 feet around. Is an evergreen, keeping most (but not all) of its leaves year-round. Needs protection from winter sun and winds in northern areas. The crown is dense and conical in youth and becomes more rounded with age. Magnolia grandiflora is a broadleaf evergreen tree that is noted for its attractive dark green leaves and its large, extremely fragrant flowers. Produces creamy white flowers, sometimes up to 12" in diameter, with a rich fragrance. 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