When you hear the words “magnolia tree,” you probably think of big trees in the South that provide shade and have sweet, pastel-colored flowers that smell nice. You might think of states like Louisiana and Mississippi when you think of them, but they actually have a pretty big growing range. For example, some types of magnolias grow as far north as Maine and Minnesota. There are 12 species and hundreds of varieties of magnolias, some of which can grow up to 70 feet tall. No matter what kind of magnolia tree you choose—one with white, pink, red, or even yellow flowers—it will add a touch of class to your garden.
“Magnolia trees are absolutely beautiful,” says Evan Torchio, CEO and founder at Tree Menders, expert arborists. “Some kinds stay green all year and have big, beautiful white flowers, while others lose their leaves in the winter and get a little smaller,” he explains. Torchio says that people love planting them because of the beautiful flowers they produce in late spring. These flowers attract bees, wasps, flies, and even spiders, which makes the trees a great way to help local wildlife.
If any of these things sound like you, you might be thinking about adding one or two magnolia trees to your yard. Tesselaar Plants is an international company that does plant research. We talked to Torchio and Judie Evrard Brower to find out how to plant a magnolia tree and everything else you need to know to get one for your yard.
A magnolia tree can be a gorgeous focal point in any front yard. With their stately presence, aromatic flowers, and striking foliage, magnolias make a statement. If you’re considering adding a magnolia to your landscape, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of magnolia trees, how to choose the right one, and tips for caring for them.
Why Choose a Magnolia for Your Front Yard?
There are several reasons why magnolia trees are a popular choice for front yard landscaping:
-
Curb Appeal: Magnolias are absolutely beautiful trees, especially when in bloom. The flowers come in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow. They can add lots of visual interest and wow-factor to your home’s exterior.
-
Fragrance: Many magnolia tree varieties have wonderfully fragrant blooms. Sitting on your front porch with the scent of magnolias wafting by is a lovely experience.
-
Low Maintenance: While they do have some care requirements, magnolias are generally pretty low-maintenance once established. Their waxy leaves are resistant to fungus and pests.
-
Versatile Size: Magnolias come in sizes ranging from small 15-foot trees to towering 80-foot varieties. This makes it easy to find one suitable for your specific front yard.
-
Long Lifespan With proper care, magnolia trees can live for over 100 years This makes them a lasting investment to enhance your landscape
How to Choose the Right Magnolia Tree
When selecting a magnolia for your front yard keep these factors in mind
-
Climate: Make sure to choose a magnolia variety that is suitable for your planting zone. Some types tolerate cold better than others.
-
Space: Look at the expected mature size and width of the tree to ensure you have room as it grows.
-
Soil & Sun: Pick a magnolia suited to your yard’s soil drainage and sunlight conditions. Most prefer full sun.
-
Flowering: Decide when you want it to bloom. Flowering times vary from early spring to summer.
-
Form: Select a shape that fits your landscape design. Options include pyramidal, columnar, weeping, and more.
Some excellent magnolia varieties for front yards include:
- Little Girl hybrids – Compact magnolias, 10-15 feet tall.
- Jane magnolia – Flowering spring tree, 20-25 feet tall.
- Ann magnolia – Fragrant white summer blooms, 20 feet tall.
- Victoria magnolia – Large creamy blossoms in summer, 40 feet tall.
No matter which you choose, magnolias make a statement!
Caring for Your Magnolia Tree
Magnolias are relatively low-maintenance once established, but they do have some care requirements:
-
Watering: Water magnolias regularly their first year, and during droughts. Established trees are fairly drought-resistant.
-
Fertilizer: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, and again after flowering.
-
Pruning: Prune to shape in late winter, removing any dead or damaged branches.
-
Pests & Diseases: Occasionally magnolias can be affected by scale, magnolia root rot, and verticillium wilt. Treat issues promptly.
-
Mulching: Mulch around the tree to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.
With proper care, your front yard magnolia should grow into a beautiful, long-living specimen!
Designing With Magnolias
When incorporating magnolias into your front yard landscape, consider these design tips:
-
Plant it as a focal point near the front entry to highlight the gorgeous flowers.
-
Surround with shrubs like azaleas and smaller ornamental trees. This shows off the magnolia as the centerpiece.
-
Place benches or seating area beneath the tree to enjoy the shade and perfume.
-
Allow plenty of space around the magnolia for the canopy to spread.
-
Group with plants that have contrasting foliage textures and colors.
-
Illuminate with strategically placed lighting to create drama on your property.
Alternatives to Magnolias
While magnolias are a superb option, there are many other great front yard trees to consider:
-
Maples: Gorgeous fall color and classic shape. Red, sugar, and Japanese maples are popular picks.
-
Crape Myrtles: Lovely summer flowers and attractive peeling bark. Many color varieties available.
-
Eastern Redbuds: Delicate pink/purple blooms in spring. Stay relatively small.
-
Fringe Trees: Flowers resemble falling white fringe. Interesting multi-branched form.
-
Japanese Snowbells: Vase-shaped spring flowering tree. Graceful tiered branching structure.
Visit your local nursery to view options in person before deciding on the perfect front yard tree for your landscape!
Transform Your Curb Appeal With a Magnolia
With striking flowers, fragrance, and sculptural presence, it’s easy to see why magnolia trees are a sought-after front yard choice. By selecting the variety suited to your climate and landscape needs, providing proper care, and using smart design techniques, you can enjoy the beauty of magnolias for years to come. A magnolia tree is sure to take your curb appeal to the next level!
How to plant a magnolia treeStep 1: Pick a Spot
Many varieties of magnolia prefer full sun and can tolerate some shade. Always check your variety’s care requirements. If unsure, ask a horticulturist at your local plant nursery. A lot of other plants should not be near your magnolia tree or shrub. Find a space with few other plants and plant your tree there. “Magnolias prefer some room to spread, so avoid planting them too close to structures,” says Torchio. Also, be aware that magnolias don’t like to be moved once they’re established, so make sure the spot you choose is ideal for the tree’s long-term needs. Step 2: Plant the Tree.
When you dig your hole, make sure that it’s twice as wide as the root ball. “Make sure you can see the root flare from the ground up,” says Torchio. “This is where the trunk starts to spread out at the base.” This is because magnolias don’t like anything growing over this section of the plant, including grass. Next, place the tree in the hole, making sure it’s standing straight and is level with the ground.
Put soil back in the hole and gently pack it around the roots. Also, mix a lot of organic compost into the soil as you spread it out. As we talked about in step two, make sure that the root flare at the very top of the magnolia is visible. Step 4: Water thoroughly.
Torchio says that young magnolia trees should be well-watered to help them get established. Water the magnolia right after planting to make sure it gets off to a great start. However, most magnolias can’t tolerate standing water. It’s best to water them often, especially when they’re growing (this can be late spring to late summer, depending on the type), but not too much or they’ll die. Once established, many magnolias become drought-tolerant and require less water. Even in the high humidity of Florida, southern magnolia can thrive. What are common mistake when planting magnolias?.
There are several common mistakes people make when planting magnolias. First off, not having the root flare exposed is probably the biggest mistake you could make. People also often make the mistake of planting them too close to other plants or garden structures like gazebos, sheds, and archways. Yes, some magnolias can be used in many ways. They can be trained to grow as a hedge or to climb up a lattice against a wall. But the majority of magnolia varieties prefer their space. In fact, you should plant magnolia trees like the southern magnolia at least 20 feet away from your house.
Which magnolia variety has the brightest flowers?
Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. But the felix magnolia’s flowers are sure to make a statement. They are 12 inches across, which is about the size of a dinner plate, and a bright fuchsia color that makes them stand out. Brower says, “This is the way to go if you want big, bright blooms to cheer you up in early spring.” The felix does well in cooler weather. Its pyramidal shape and upright structure, along with the lack of many shrubs at the base, make it a good choice for planting spring bulbs under it.
‘Kay Parris’ Magnolia Update (Year 3) // ‘Kay Parris’ vs. ‘Little Gem’ Magnolia – Tree Comparison
FAQ
Is a magnolia tree good for the front yard?
Where should you not plant a magnolia tree?
Where is the best place to plant a magnolia tree?
The front side of your yard can be the perfect place for Magnolia. Fresh air, warm sunlight and enough space for your tree to grow – these are the perks of the front yard. A large Magnolia tree also provides shade if you want to sit and drink a cup of coffee or read a book.
Are magnolia trees too big?
We know, we know: Everyone loves a magnolia. But hear us out: Many magnolias grow far too big for the average yard. Leaf drop happens year-round, which means that the addition of a magnolia ups the messy-yard factor significantly. Are Magnolia trees good for your yard?
Should I plant magnolia trees?
When weighing whether to plant magnolia trees, keep these key factors in mind: Consider your climate zone – magnolias range from cold hardy (Zone 4) to tropical (Zone 10). Select a variety suited for your region. Account for the tree’s mature size – magnolias can grow quite large. Allow enough room for their canopy to spread.
Are magnolia trees ornamental?
Magnolias are good as strictly ornamental plants, though they do produce berries that the birds enjoy in fall. They grow in tree or shrub form, and some are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves, while others remain evergreen. They have showy blooms and some types can live for up to 200 years!
Can magnolia trees be used as a garden tree?
Because of their ability to steal the show in your landscape, we usually recommend using Magnolia trees as centerpiece trees in your yard or garden design. Depending on the variety, they work very well as shade trees, flowering focal points, as well as privacy hedges, windbreaks, and street trees. Are Magnolia trees messy trees?
Are magnolia trees easy to grow?
With their large, fragrant flowers and white, pink, and purple color palettes, magnolia trees are living proof that nature is pure magic! Although they’re a classically Southern plant, the bowl-shaped blooms and pastel petals are more otherworldly than anything. And the best part is that they’re easy to grow in pretty much any type of garden!