Magnolia trees are some of the most beautiful trees you can plant at your home. They have huge leaves that are dark green on one side and velvety brown on the other. They also produce those signature white blooms with huge flowering petals that can last for weeks.
So where do you plant a magnolia tree to make sure it achieves that epic beauty? Magnolia trees are very hardy trees that can be planted in a variety of places, but they thrive in warm locations with plenty of water.
Read on for all the info you need to choose a location for your magnolia tree, plus some tips and information about how to plant a magnolia to ensure you see those beautiful blooms as often as possible.
Why You Should Plant A Magnolia Tree
There are many types of magnolia trees, eight of which originated in the United States. The most famous and popular type of magnolia tree is probably the Southern magnolia, which is known for its prolificacy in the American South, a region known for its huge, iconic magnolias.
Parts of the South are defined by the magnolia tree. The state of Mississippi is officially The Magnolia State.
The magnolia is also Mississippi’s state flower, a decision that was made by the vote of school children in Mississippi over a hundred years ago. The magnolia is also the state flower of the state of Louisiana.
Not only are magnolia trees beautiful and stately, but they are very hardy trees that survive the extreme weather conditions of the Southern United States. This tree is a great addition to many yards and gardens not only for its beauty but also for its endurance capabilities.
Choosing A Type Of Magnolia Tree
There are several different types of magnolia trees, and it is fairly easy to acquire most varieties no matter where you live.
For example, you can purchase a Southern Magnolia Tree online, just as you can also purchase the Little Gem variety of magnolia and have it delivered straight to your home, ready to plant.
According to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center, magnolia trees work well for some purposes, such as privacy hedges and decorative plants. The fact that there are so many different types of magnolias makes them a great species for varying uses.
This chart can give you a quick sense of the type of magnolia tree that might be right for you.
| Use | Size | Type Of Magnolia |
| Privacy | Medium to large | Little gem magnolia (a variety of Southern magnolia) |
| Indoor greenery | Small | Teddy bear magnolia (another variety of Southern magnolia) |
| Shade | Large | Magnolia grandiflora, AKA the Southern magnolia |
| Year-round greenery outdoors | Any size | Sweetbay magnolia |
Once you think a bit about how you want to use your magnolia tree, you can make the best decision about what type to buy, plus you can use that information to help you find the ideal spot to plant your new magnolia tree.
Here are some more details about some of the best varieties of magnolia trees.
Magnolia Grandiflora, Or The Southern Magnolia
The Southern Magnolia, whose formal name is Magnolia Grandiflora, is probably the tree you think of when you picture a magnolia tree.
With its big, dark green leaves and huge, white blossoms, this enormous tree is a majestic staple of the South. There are several different varieties of the Southern magnolia, including a few of the more popular types of magnolias found in yards in gardens.
Planting a Southern magnolia is a big commitment, as you need the space for a truly enormous tree. But if you have the room, this tree can quickly become a showpiece in your yard.
According to the National Park Service, Southern magnolia trees grow very quickly and are one of the oldest types of trees found in the United States.
Little Gem Magnolia Trees
The little gem is one of the more popular varieties of Southern magnolia. It is particularly useful for making hedges or planting in containers.
Little gems are much smaller than the standard Southern magnolia and are considered a dwarf variety. But they still have that signature dark green foliage and those white blooms, so they are a great alternative if you want the quintessential magnolia but do not have the space for a huge tree.
Little gem magnolia trees grow to only about 25 feet at full height, and many might grow to be even smaller than that, so these are a good option for a smaller yard or garden.
Sweet Bay Magnolia Trees
Smaller than the Southern magnolia, the sweet bay magnolia tree is found a little further north than the Southern magnolia, though still in the area of the United States that is considered the South.
One interesting property of the sweet bay magnolia is that it is deciduous or evergreen, depending on the part of the country in which it is planted. Sweet bay magnolias planted a little further north tend to lose their leaves in fall whereas sweet bay magnolias planted further south stay evergreen.
If evergreen magnolias are important to you, keep this in mind when choosing a type of magnolia tree, as where you live is a very important factor here.
Saucer magnolia trees
Some magnolia trees have blooms that are shaped like large round saucers, hence the name of this type of tree. These magnolias are not as hardy as the other varieties, but some people find their interesting blooms worth the tradeoff.
Next, we’ll take a look at some of the qualities of magnolia trees that make them so special.
Properties Of Magnolia Trees
Because there are varying types of magnolias, the size and properties can vary from type to type, but there are some distinguishing features of this magnificent tree.
According to the City of Augusta, Georgia, magnolias can be as tall as 90 feet, like the magnolia Grandiflora, also known as the Southern magnolia. As its name indicates, it is native to and most popular in the Southern states.
The Southern magnolia, perhaps the most popular and most indicative of the species, has dark green leaves and big white flowers.
According to the USDA, Southern magnolias can be found all across the Southern United States, from parts of Texas to South Carolina, and in the southern areas of all the states in between.
Some magnolia trees lose their leaves in the fall, but some are evergreen, including the Southern magnolia. All varieties are known for their big, beautiful blooms (usually white, but sometimes pink) and their wonderful floral fragrance.
Where To Plant A Magnolia Tree
When considering where to plant a magnolia tree, many factors come into play. Do you need shade or just want something that looks nice in your yard?
Are you trying to create privacy for your home or do you want to cool down a particular area of your garden? These and other ideas can help you determine the best place to plant your new magnolia tree.
Some magnolias’ growth is affected by the location in which they are planted, depending on parts of a region or the climates. Magnolia blooms can quickly be scorched by sunshine or heat that is too intense, so be careful if you are planting a magnolia in such a climate, like the southwest.
The leaves can be scorched, too, so if you live in this type of environment, consider planting your magnolia tree in a container (more information on that below) or in an area of your yard that is shaded in the afternoon.
According to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Southern magnolia trees can be planted in many different types of soil, making them easy for lots of environments. They also are very durable when it comes to pests or diseases, so they are very hardy and easy to grow.
Here are five places that are among the best when considering locations for a magnolia tree in your yard, garden, or even inside your home.
Planting Your Magnolia Near Other Trees
Magnolia trees have very widespread root systems, so they are capable of moving as much as 40 feet away from the trunk of the tree. Therefore, it is important to account for those roots when considering a location for your magnolia tree.
Don’t plant it too close to another tree where the roots might have to compete for nutrients and water.
Another thing to consider when planting your magnolia near other trees is the light. Magnolia trees like sunlight, so don’t plant your new tree in the shade of another tree, or near enough to another tree that the magnolia might be shaded too much when the other tree reaches maturity.
Always consider the full growth potential of your trees and remember that their size when you plant them is nothing like what it will be just a few years down the road!
One benefit to planting your magnolia near other trees is that the magnolia can provide shade for trees that don’t do as well in full sun.
Also, if you have a lot of deciduous trees in your yard, you might find that while it is beautiful when the leaves are green and spring and summer, and it is also lovely when the leaves change color in the fall, things start to look sort of dreary in the winter months when the branches are bare.
Many varieties of magnolia are evergreen, so this tree will be a leafy, green feature in your yard year-round.
Planting Your Magnolia To Shade Your Yard
If your yard requires some shade, the dense, evergreen foliage of a magnolia tree might be the perfect fit for your needs.
Magnolia trees have very large canopies that grow not only up and out but also down. This means that they create a lot of shade. They also have the added magical quality of creating a tree house feel without anyone having to climb the tree. But their branches are great for climbing, too!
To plant your tree in an area that provides shade, you will need to determine the area you want to be shaded and the time of day you most want shade there.
This is most easily achieved by going outside at the time of day you want to shade and checking to see where the sun is. Then choose the spot that best blocks that sunlight.
Remember that it will be several years before your magnolia tree reaches maturity and provides a lot of coverage, but it might be well worth the wait. Also, keep in mind that the root systems of these majestic trees can get very large, so be careful about planting your magnolia tree too close to your house or other buildings where the root systems might disrupt foundations.
Lastly, consider the aesthetics of your yard and home, as a giant tree might not always look as good as a smaller one, so consider the final product and what it will look like once your magnolia tree reaches its full growth potential.
Planting Your Magnolia Tree In A Container
Several varieties of magnolia trees work particularly well in large containers. The Little Gem magnolia, for example, is a variety of Southern magnolia that can be planted in containers for its entire life span, given the right care and a large enough container.
Planting in a container has many advantages, notably that you can move your magnolia to various spots depending on the weather and what you need your tree to do.
Magnolia trees are generally healthy outdoors even in cold winters, but they will thrive in a more temperate climate like that inside your house, so bringing your magnolia indoors for the winter in its container can help it be extra healthy.
To plant a magnolia in a container, follow these steps:
- Choose a very large container. This way, you will not have to transfer the magnolia to a larger pot before it is well-established or mature.
- Put some rocks in the bottom of the container before you add any soil. This will help ensure that the soil gets very good drainage and therefore helps you avoid root rot, which can kill your magnolia tree.
- Use rich potting soil, like Miracle Gro Indoor Potting Mix. Using potting soil instead of soil from your garden might give your magnolia tree an advantage early in its life in the container.
- Water the tree thoroughly as soon as you have planted it. The rocks underneath will help the soil drain, so you do not have to be as concerned about root rot as if you were planting your tree in a less controlled environment.
- Put the container on a rolling plant stand. This will allow you to move it easily indoors so you can find the optimal location for light, humidity, and temperature.
- Care for your container magnolia tree by watering it regularly but not too often and by keeping it in a room that gets plenty of sunlight but avoid direct harsh light in the afternoon.
- Enjoy your magnolia tree!
Keeping a magnolia tree In a container is fairly easy as these trees do not require a great deal of attention. If you keep them watered and give them some light, you can easily enjoy these beautiful trees for years and years.
Planting A Magnolia As A Privacy Fence
This option is more aptly titled “planting magnolias,” with “magnolias” plural, as the best privacy option here will line multiple magnolias next to each other for dense fencing. What other kind of fence produces hundreds of beautiful fragrant blooms every year?
Many types of magnolia provide great fencing, as they grow densely and quickly. Plus, you can choose an evergreen magnolia that won’t lose its leaves in the fall and winter.
This means that you won’t lose the coverage of your privacy fence at any time of the year as you would with a deciduous hedge or plant.
To plant magnolias for privacy, first, consider the length of the fencing or property line you want to cover.
Magnolia trees can be planted somewhat close together, but your best bet is to choose magnolia varieties that make good fencing to begin with, like the little gem magnolia, which is a smaller variety of the Southern magnolia. Plant your magnolia trees in this case about three to five feet apart, depending on how dense you want the coverage to be.
Planting Your Magnolia As A Garden Or Yard Feature
It might be that you have no use in mind at all for your new magnolia tree other than to create a beautiful feature in your yard or garden. And that’s perfectly okay!
Magnolia trees are stunning trees that are known for their beauty and the wonderful smell of their blooms.
A small variety of magnolia works well in a smaller garden, where it can be used as a corner feature or to provide a little shade for some less sun-tolerant flowers or plants. Or you can plant a big, classic Southern magnolia just to watch its enormous branches fill your yard.
One idea, as proposed by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, is to plant your magnolia tree in a flower bed so the leaves it loses can provide mulch for other plants and flowers. This also helps with the mess of the leaves, as you don’t have to rake or sweep them if they are used on the ground as they fall.
When To Plant Your Magnolia Tree
Magnolia trees can be planted at various times of the year, depending on where they are planted. Container trees, for example, can be planted at any time, especially if you plan to keep the container indoors year-round.
To plant a magnolia tree outdoors, consider the temperature and precipitation where you live. It is best to wait until the most intense heat of summer is over but the frosts of fall and winter have not yet arrived.
Also, according to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, it is normal for your magnolia tree to lose a lot of leaves in its first year, and this does not mean that the tree is unhealthy. So don’t be alarmed!
Planting Your New Magnolia Tree
To plant your new magnolia tree outside in your yard, you have already completed the first step–choosing the right spot. Now it’s time to get to the planting part. Here is a breakdown of the steps to follow as you plant your magnolia tree.
- Dig a hole for your magnolia tree that is significantly bigger than the root ball of your magnolia tree. You don’t want to plant the root ball too far below the surface of the ground, but you also want to avoid having any of it above the surface, either. If you need to adjust as you go, make sure to keep the soil loose until you have the root ball perfectly placed.
- Next, fill the hole with soil loosely around the root ball, then gently pat it down. If you need to add more or remove some, do so until the ground looks fairly even.
- It is now time to water the tree. The University of Washington Botanic Gardens library suggests that you should not water the hole you have dug while planting your magnolia, as this could potentially rot the roots. Note where you live and how dry the soil is. Keep the soil around your magnolia moist, but don’t over-water it.
- To complete the process, add some mulch around the base of your newly planted magnolia tree. This will help keep the soil moist and stop weeds from growing around your new tree’s roots.
- Do not apply fertilizer, as that can cause problems for young trees. Later in the tree’s life, though, you might consider adding fertilizer to help your mature magnolia tree grow healthy and strong. Wait until the tree has gone through a complete first-year cycle and is growing new leaves in its new home, then consider adding a fertilizer.
Final Planting And Care Tips
As you finish planting your magnolia tree and care for it in the years ahead, keep these tips in mind.
- Keep an eye on the water level of your magnolia tree, whether it is planted in the ground outdoors or kept in a container. If the soil is too dry, the tree is not getting enough water, but if the soil gets too wet, that can hurt the roots and cause them to rot. Good soil drainage is key!
- Avoid planting your magnolia tree in areas that have high winds. While magnolia trees can withstand a lot of varying weather conditions, wind is of particular concern because the magnolia’s branches are apt to break in strong winds. Consider this when choosing a planting site or when leaving a container magnolia outside during storms.
- Magnolia trees, according to the Clemson University College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, are a food source for some creatures such as birds (including hummingbirds) and butterflies. If you are a bird watcher or you love when butterflies visit your yard or garden, this is an added bonus!
That’s A Wrap!
Now you are ready to choose a type of magnolia tree, plant it, and watch those beautiful characteristic blooms emerge. Magnolia trees are a great addition to most yards or gardens, as they are easy to grow, very hardy and durable, and often provide year-round green leaves and frequent large blooms.
If you are looking specifically for a shade tree, you might want to read more about a certain type of magnolia that is particularly well suited to that purpose.
For more specific information about a certain type of magnolia, the sweetbay magnolia, check out our post on the 19 Fastest Growing Shade Trees For Large Yards. If shade is what you’re after, this particular magnolia might be perfect for your yard.
Enjoy your new magnolia tree!
References
Maisenhelder, L. C. (1970). Magnolia (Vol. 245). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
Shu, X., Yang, Z., Yang, X., Duan, H., Gan, G., & Yu, H. (2009). Variation of leaf characters and seedling growth of Magnolia officinalis with different provenances. Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment, 25(4), 19-25.
Niemiera, A. X. (2009). Southern Magnolia.
Erdeljac, D. (2001). Magnolia. History, 16(3).
Wade, G. L. (2009). Growing southern magnolia. University of Georgia.
