The Sun Requirements for Magnolia Trees in the South

Light Exposure

• The many species and cultivars of both evergreen and deciduous magnolias grow well in full sun to partial shade conditions. Healthy trees that are not stressed by dry or nutrient-poor soils tolerate longer exposure to direct sunrays without consequence. In the southern states, a partial sun garden setting -- between 6 and 9 hours of sun daily, makes a suitable environment for a magnolia. The sun's light intensity is always stronger in the Southern United States compared to Northern latitudes. Therefore, a magnolia species that prospers in full sun in Michigan grows equally well with only partial sun on the Gulf Coast or Southern California.

Soil Considerations

• Magnolias suffer when the soil is alkaline, too dry, compacted or hot. In Southern regions with the hot summers, magnolias sustain stress seen as leaf yellowing or leaf edge browning. Severe heat and drought leads to leaf drop and twig dieback. If the soil remains evenly moist and acidic, magnolias perform very well in full sun conditions in the Southern United States. Mulching the soil conserves moisture, shades and cools the soil, and prevents foot traffic from compacting the soil, damaging the many surface roots. The decomposing mulch also provides nutrients for the magnolias to utilize and maintain green foliage.

Plant Site Considerations

• If your landscape's soils are naturally sandy, lack organic matter or no irrigation exists, plant the magnolia in partial shade to partial sun across the South. More sun exposure increases soil and leaf temperatures, causing a greater need for soil moisture. If the soil is not mulched or irrigated, too much sun causes leaf yellowing and drop in a survival response by the magnolia. An ideal planting site allows sunlight to bask the magnolia from sunrise to midday. Shade from other trees or a building during the heat of the afternoon can limit the drying and stress experienced by the magnolia.

Reflections

• Planting a magnolia too close to a wall, building facade or road may cause leaf scalding and stress across the hot summer areas across the southern half of the country. The magnolia not only receives direct sunlight from the sky, but the surfaces nearby reflected and amplifies the sun and heat. A lawn surface or shrub border is a better surrounding for a magnolia than a strip of asphalt or concrete patio. Locate magnolias farther away from areas of reflected light and heat, or anticipate a greater need for irrigation, mulching of the soil and some afternoon shade to negate the environmental stress.