The Stunning Beauty of a Full Grown Galaxy Magnolia Tree
The galaxy magnolia (Magnolia x ‘Galaxy’) is one of the most striking and beautiful magnolia trees when allowed to grow to maturity. With abundant giant pink blooms and a neat upright growth habit, the full grown galaxy magnolia makes a jaw-dropping focal point in any landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the magnificence of a mature galaxy magnolia tree.
Overview of the Galaxy Magnolia
The galaxy magnolia is a deciduous tree that typically reaches 30-40 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide when fully mature. It has an upright, pyramidal shape with strongly ascending branches that form a narrow, compact crown.
This hybrid magnolia was bred by the U.S. National Arboretum by crossing Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ with Magnolia sprengeri ‘Diva’. It combines the best qualities of both parents, with profuse blooms, disease resistance, and hardiness to zone 5.
One of the most spectacular features of a full grown galaxy magnolia is its abundance of giant, pink spring blooms. They emerge from large fuzzy pink buds opening into enormous bowl-shaped blossoms up to 10 inches across! The colorful flowers appear on bare branches in early spring, before the leaves emerge.
Growing Conditions for Mature Galaxy Magnolias
Galaxy magnolias thrive in zones 5-9. They grow best in full sun to partial shade exposure. These trees appreciate moist, well-draining, acidic soil amended with organic matter. Excellent drainage is key to prevent root rot.
Established galaxy magnolias have moderate water requirements. They need regular irrigation while getting established but become quite drought tolerant once mature. Provide sufficient water during dry spells for optimum 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. Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the backfill soil to enrich it. Set the root ball on firmly packed soil so it doesn’t settle. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill in around the tree, tamping down gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
For best results, plant in spring once the threat of frost has passed. This gives the tree time to establish before winter dormancy. However, container-grown magnolias can be successfully planted throughout the growing season as long as they are watered diligently.
Caring for a Mature Galaxy Magnolia
With proper care, a full grown galaxy magnolia will thrive for many years:
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Water deeply once a week while establishing, then as needed during droughts. Mature trees are quite drought tolerant.
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Fertilize annually in early spring with an organic magnolia fertilizer to encourage lush foliage and prolific flowering.
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Prune only as needed to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning, which reduces blooms.
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Monitor for pests like scale, spider mites, and borers. Control with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays.
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Mulch around the tree with 2-4 inches of material like shredded bark to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Protect young trees from harsh wind and winter sun to avoid bark damage. Stake newly planted trees.
The Breathtaking Flowers of Mature Galaxy Magnolias
Without a doubt, the main draw of the galaxy magnolia is its spectacular spring flowering display. On a full grown specimen, you can expect hundreds of show-stopping reddish-purple blooms covering the bare branches in early spring.
The huge flowers emerge from large, fuzzy pink buds that swell with color as bloom time approaches. Right before opening, the buds resemble big, soft pussy willows, leading to the galaxy magnolia’s nickname “pussy willow magnolia.”
During peak bloom, galaxy magnolia flowers will stop traffic! The vibrant reddish-purple blooms grow over 10 inches in diameter, dwarfing those of many other magnolia varieties. The colors seem to glow against the bare woodsy backdrop before the leaves emerge.
In zones 5-6, galaxy magnolias begin blooming in late April into early May. Further south, flowers open as early as March. The blooms last up to 4 weeks, fading to pinkish white. They give way to large, bright green leaves that provide lush shade throughout summer.
Using Full Grown Galaxy Magnolias in Landscape Design
In the landscape, mature galaxy magnolias make outstanding:
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Specimen Trees – With its neat form and dramatic flowers, the galaxy magnolia steals the show as a specimen focal point. Site it where the vibrant blooms can really stand out.
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Accent Plants – Situate a galaxy magnolia in a front yard or side garden where passersby can enjoy the spring flowers. Also perfect for planting near patios.
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Property Line Trees – Take advantage of the neat, pyramidal habit by using galaxy magnolias as living screens along fencelines and property borders.
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Street Trees – The upright growth habit makes galaxy magnolias well suited for streetside planting. They provide spring color and summer shade.
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Ornamental Backdrops – Plant a row of galaxy magnolias as an attractive backdrop for perennial borders, flowering shrubs, and other ornamental beds.
Allow 15-20 feet of space between full grown galaxy magnolias and other trees. Underplant with lower-growing shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers. Some great options include azaleas, hydrangeas, hostas, ferns, and heucheras.
Caring Tips for Healthy Full Grown Galaxy Magnolias
Here are some key tips for growing a vigorous mature galaxy magnolia:
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Select a site with full sun to partial shade. Morning sun is ideal.
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Plant in moist, well-draining, acidic soil improved with organic matter.
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Water young trees regularly, then taper off as the magnolia establishes. Provide supplemental water during droughts.
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Fertilize annually with an organic magnolia fertilizer to encourage prolific flowering.
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Prune minimally, removing only damaged branches when needed. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Monitor for magnolia pests like scale, mites, and borers. Control with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
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Mulch around trees with 2-4 inches of shredded bark to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Stake newly planted trees to protect from wind damage. Shelter young trees from harsh sun and wind exposure.
The Unique Galaxy Magnolia: A Special Addition to any Landscape
Galaxy Magnolia
FAQ
How big does a Galaxy magnolia get?
What is the prettiest magnolia tree?
Where should you not plant a magnolia tree?
How do you care for a galaxy magnolia tree?
The Galaxy Magnolia is a vigorous tree, growing well in all normal garden soils that are well-drained, and growing best in richer soils that are generally moist. Good soil preparation, and the regular application of spring mulch will conserve moisture and keep your tree growing vigorously.
Is a Magnolia a good shade tree?
While some people don’t plant magnolias because they believe the flowering period is too short, they forget what a good shade tree it can also be, and this is especially true of this magnolia, because its broad crown and large leaves cast a dense shade – perfect for a large lawn.
How do you grow a magnolia tree?
The open edges of woodland are ideal for these trees, where periods of sun and shade alternate during the day, and across the seasons. Magnolia trees grow best in moist, well-drained soil, enriched with organic material, so you should prepare the soil before planting, and mulch over the root-zone every spring.
How many types of magnolia trees are there?
The genus Magnolia consists of about 100 species (plus numerous additional hybrids and cultivars) of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs.
When should you plant a magnolia tree?
Deciduous Magnolias are best planted when dormant, in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring. For the first 6 to 12 months after planting, both types will benefit from mulch and regular irrigation during warm or dry weather.