The galaxy magnolia tree (Magnolia בGalaxy’) is an absolute showstopper when fully grown. With its huge, bright pink blooms and neat, upright form, this magnolia makes a striking focal point in any landscape. In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about caring for and enjoying a mature galaxy magnolia tree.
The galaxy magnolia is a deciduous tree that typically reaches 30-35 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide when fully mature. It has an upright, pyramidal to oval growth habit with sturdy branches that form a neat, compact crown.
This hybrid magnolia was developed by the U.S. National Arboretum by crossing Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and Magnolia sprengeri ‘Diva’. It inherited the best qualities of both parents including abundant floral displays disease resistance, and cold hardiness.
One of the most striking features of a full grown galaxy magnolia is its eye-catching spring blooms. They emerge from large fuzzy pink buds unfurling into gigantic flowers up to 10 inches across! The bowl-shaped blooms have six petal-like tepals in a vibrant reddish-purple hue. They appear on bare branches in early spring before the leaves emerge.
Growing Conditions for Full Grown Galaxy Magnolias
Galaxy magnolias thrive in zones 5-9. They prefer full sun to partial shade exposure. These trees appreciate moist, well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Galaxy magnolias have moderate water needs. They require regular irrigation while establishing but become quite drought tolerant once mature. Provide sufficient water during dry spells for best growth and flowering.
Planting a Full Grown Galaxy Magnolia
When planting a full grown galaxy magnolia, start by digging a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball. Improve the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure Set the root ball on firmly packed soil to prevent settling Ensure the top of the root ball sits level with the ground. Backfill the hole, tamping down gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
For the best results, plant in spring once the threat of frost has passed. This gives the tree time to establish before winter. However, container-grown magnolias can be planted throughout the growing season as long as they are kept well watered.
Caring for a Mature Galaxy Magnolia Tree
With a few basic care practices, a full grown galaxy magnolia will thrive for decades:
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Watering – Water deeply once a week during the first year after planting. Mature trees only need occasional irrigation during prolonged dry spells.
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Fertilizing – Apply a balanced organic fertilizer annually in early spring. Compost and mulch also provide nutrients.
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Pruning – Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce flowering.
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Pest/disease control – Galaxy magnolias have few serious problems. Occasionally monitor for common magnolia pests like scale. Promptly remove affected branches.
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Mulching – Maintain a 2-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Leave space between mulch and trunk.
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Protection – Shelter young trees from harsh wind and winter sun to prevent bark damage. Stake newly planted trees until established.
The Stunning Spring Flowers of Full Grown Galaxy Magnolias
Without a doubt, the Claim-to-fame of the galaxy magnolia is its remarkable spring blooms. On a mature specimen, you can expect hundreds of showy reddish-purple flowers covering the bare branches in early spring.
The enormous flowers emerge from large, fuzzy pink buds that swell as bloom time approaches. Right before the tepals unfurl, the flower buds resemble fluffy catkins, earning the galaxy magnolia the nickname “pussy willow magnolia.”
During peak bloom, galaxy magnolia flowers will stop traffic! Their bowl-shaped blooms can grow over 10 inches across, dwarfing those of many other magnolia varieties. The vibrant reddish-purple hue makes them really stand out against the bare woodsy backdrop.
Galaxy magnolias begin blooming in early to mid spring. Flowering is later than many other magnolias, which helps avoid damage from late frosts. In zones 5-6, bloom time is late April into early May. Further south, flowers open as early as March.
Flowers give way to large, bright green leaves that provide lush summer shade. In fall, the leaves transform into brilliant shades of yellow and gold before dropping.
Using Full Grown Galaxy Magnolias in Landscape Design
In the landscape, full grown galaxy magnolias make outstanding:
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Specimen trees – With its neat shape and eye-catching flowers, the galaxy magnolia is ideal as a focal point specimen. Plant it where the vibrant blooms can really steal the show.
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Accent plants – Situate a galaxy magnolia in a front yard or side garden where passersby can admire the flowers. Also makes a gorgeous patio tree.
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Property line trees – Take advantage of the pyramidal shape by using galaxy magnolias as living screens along property borders.
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Street trees – The compact, upright growth habit makes it well suited for streetside planting. Provides spring color and summer shade.
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Ornamental backgrounds – Plant a row of galaxy magnolias as an attractive backdrop for perennial borders and flowering shrub beds.
For optimum growth, allow 15-20 feet of space between full grown galaxy magnolias and other trees. Underplant with lower-growing shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers. Some recommended companions include azaleas, hydrangeas, hostas, ferns, and heucheras.
Tips for Growing a Healthy Full Grown Galaxy Magnolia
Here are some key tips to remember when cultivating a mature galaxy magnolia:
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Select a site with full sun to partial shade exposure. Morning sun is ideal.
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Plant in moist, well-draining, acidic soil. Improve drainage in clay soil if needed.
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Water regularly after planting, then taper off as the tree establishes. Mature trees are quite drought tolerant.
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Apply an organic fertilizer annually to encourage lush foliage and prolific flowering.
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Prune only when necessary to remove damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning, which reduces blooms.
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Monitor for pests like scale, spider mites, and boring insects. Control with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
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Provide winter protection for young trees. Stake newly planted trees to protect from wind damage.
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Mulch around the tree to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch back from the trunk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Full Grown Galaxy Magnolias
Here are answers to some common questions about growing and caring for full grown galaxy magnolia trees:
How long does it take a galaxy magnolia to reach full size?
- Galaxy magnolias grow at a moderate rate, averaging 1-2 feet per year. It typically takes about 15-20 years for them to mature to their full size of 30-35 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide.
How often do full grown galaxy magnolias bloom?
- Galaxy magnolias flower abundantly every spring once mature. You can expect a spectacular floral display each year from a healthy specimen.
Should I prune my mature galaxy magnolia?
- Prune minimally, removing only dead or damaged branches when needed. Over-pruning reduces flowering. Never prune off more than 1/3 of the total crown.
What size pot should I plant a full grown galaxy magnolia in?
- For a full grown magnolia, select at least a 45-65 gallon container. The larger the container, the less transplant shock the tree will experience.
How far apart should I plant mature galaxy magnolia trees?
- Allow 15-20 feet between full grown galaxy magnolias. Give them ample room to reach maturity without becoming crowded.
The Unique Galaxy Magnolia: A Special Addition to any Landscape
How To Plant Galaxy Magnolia
Galaxy Magnolia requires no special skills to grow, but a few tips will ensure success. It is happiest in full sun. Water must drain well from the root zone, but this tree doesn’t want to dry out completely. Magnolias don’t like their roots disturbed, so keep new underplantings to a minimum once the tree is established.
For the first three to five weeks, water twice a week. After that, water once a week until winter. When you water, water slowly and thoroughly. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If you plant in the spring or summer, you should start fertilizing in late fall with granular Elements Starter Plant Food every year in late fall. When you plant in the fall, use Elements fertilizer. The next fall, you should start your regular yearly fertilizing. Do this every year for the first three years to help your plant get established. It will also give your tree the nutrients it needs to grow lush new leaves in the spring.
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for suckers coming up from the base. Galaxy’s shape is one of the few magnolias that looks like a tree, and you’ll want to keep it that way.
Why plant Galaxy Magnolia?
Galaxy Magnolia is a fun plant with traffic-stopping hot pink flowers in spring. You’ll be amazed when the big, fuzzy buds (which look and feel like big, soft Pussy Willow buds) burst open to reveal fragrant water lily-like flowers that can be up to 10 inches across! Galaxy usually blooms late enough to avoid frost damage, so it can bloom with Jane Magnolia and Butterflies Magnolia. This vigorous and disease-resistant Magnolia tree was hybridized by the National Arboretum in Washington, D. C. It’s almost unpatriotic not to grow one! Put this beauty by your front door, on your porch, patio, in your living room, or anywhere else you want to see some big-time spring drama.
The U. S. National Arboretum in Washington, D. C. has introduced several hundred plants over the years for gardeners everywhere to enjoy. Most of the new trees are azaleas, but they’ve also grown Maples, Elms, Crapemyrtles, Rose-of-Sharon Hibiscus Trees, Hollies, and Magnolias. Galaxy is a hybrid creation of the USNA that resulted from a cross made in 1963. The parents were the Lily Magnolia, which also gave rise to the beautiful Saucer Magnolias, and a beautiful but rare magnolia called “Diva.” ’ It was released in 1980.