For information or the status on programs, contact your local Extension office by email or phone. Since the tree sheds old leaves each spring and seed pods in late summer, it can be messy when planted in a lawn area. One of the smallest of the magnolias, reaching 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Southern magnolia is most often grown as a single-trunk tree, but it can also be grown in a multi-trunk form. Leathery, lustrous, dark green leaves with rich, orange-brown undersides. It reaches 50+ feet tall at maturity. The soil must be well draining for the trees to thrive. A 2000 Georgia Gold Medal Winner. It is tolerant of high moisture levels and can be planted in areas prone to wet/dry fluctuations in soil moisture. resources. By the fourth year, the tree should have a well-established root system and should be able to forage for nutrients on its own. Southern magnolia is an evergreen, so you’ll see those glossy, deep green leaves on the canopy all winter long. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. Its coarse-textured leaves provide an excellent background for shrubs, particularly needle evergreens. Southern magnolia facts suggest that the trees grow quite fast, shooting up some 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm.) The leaves are long and leathery, growing up to 10 inches (25 cm.) 1998. By the third year, increase the rate to 4 cups and spread it in a donut-shaped area from the tips of the canopy to 6 feet beyond the canopy in March, May and July. The tight pyramidal form reaches 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide with narrow, lustrous dark green leaves. To mimic magnolia’s natural conditions, amend heavy soil with... Hardiness: Grow best in … University of Georgia Cooperative Extension programming improves people's lives and gets results. The star magnolia grows to 15 feet and produces white flowers in the late winter. like workshops, classes, consultation, certifications, camps, and educator 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. It is suited for colder environments. It's one of the largest magnolia species and grows up to 80 feet. Reaches 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Published on Sep 23, 2009Published with Full Review on Sep 01, 2012Published with Full Review on Aug 07, 2017. Southern magnolia is most frequently grown as a single specimen tree in the landscape. The petals grow in white or ivory and these cup-shaped blooms can grow to over a foot across! Another popular characteristic is a rusty-bronze appearance of the underside of the leaves. They are lustrous green above and fuzzy, rusty brown below. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. and prosperous Georgia. UGA Extension is not responsible for any damages, costs, liability, or risk associated with any use, functionality, and/or content of the website translations. Check the size of your planting site before you proceed. 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. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Recent updates, initiatives and programs from UGA Extension. This means that gardeners in half the nation can cultivate them. Zone 5 Magnolia Trees – Tips On Growing Magnolia Trees In Zone 5, Magnolia Evergreen Varieties: Learn About Evergreen Magnolias, Magnolia Root System – Are Magnolia Roots Invasive, Prickly Kale Leaves – Does Kale Have Thorns, Corn Husk Wreath Ideas: How To Make A Corn Husk Wreath, DIY Air Plant Wreaths: Wreath Making With Air Plants, Wax Dipped Roses: Tips On Preserving Rose Flowers With Wax, Propagating Kohlrabi Seeds: Learn How To Plant Kohlrabi Seeds, Fire Ant Control In Gardens: Tips For Controlling Fire Ants Safely, Flowers That Attract Moths: Tips For Attracting Moths To Your Garden, Thanksgiving Tradition: Turning Homegrown Pumpkins Into Pie, Growing Thanksgiving Dinner – Must Have Turkey Side Dishes, Interesting Uses For Pecans: What To Do With Pecans, The Bountiful Garden: Bringing The Garden To Thanksgiving.