What Type of Climate for a Magnolia Tree?

Cold-Winter Types

• Some magnolia trees can survive sub-freezing winter temperatures well and make good choices for a climate with cold winters. The star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a good example of this type, growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. In the colder parts of its range, winter temperatures occasionally fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. A Japanese native, this tree is deciduous, 15 to 20 feet tall, with white, star-shaped flowers in spring. The saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana), named for its saucer-shaped flowers, also does well in colder climates. This is a small, 20- to 25-foot-tall tree with white to light purple flowers that grows in USDA zones 4 through 9. Both the star and saucer magnolia don't do well in USDA zones above 8 or 9, because warm winters in those areas interfere with their ability to go into dormancy.

Southern Magnolias

• The southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) gets its name from its native range in the southern U.S. An evergreen tree, it can reach a height of 60 to 80 feet when mature, with a spread of 30 to 50 feet. The tree has large, leathery leaves and fragrant white flowers, and is sensitive to extended periods of hard frost. It grows in USDA zones 7 through 9, where sub-freezing temperatures are rare and generally last for short periods. The sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is native to Virginia and several southeastern states, and more hardy than the southern magnolia, growing well in areas with more frequent and long-lasting frost. It's a small, 10- to 35-foot-tall tree with white flowers in late spring that grows in USDA zones 5 through 10. Both southern and sweet bay magnolias become partially dormant in winter.

Other Magnolias

• The cucumber tree (Magnolia accuminata), a type of magnolia that produces warty fruits that look like cucumbers, is extremely resistant to cold and grows in USDA zones 3 through 8. A deciduous native tree, it grows 40 to 70 feet tall and rather narrow, spreading to about 20 to 35 feet. It has greenish-yellow, tulip-shaped, fragrant flowers in early to midspring and is unusual among magnolias in developing colorful fall foliage. Unlike most magnolias, the champaca magnolia (Michelia champaca) prefers a climate that stays warm year-round and grows in USDA zones 10 through 12. Although it belongs to a different genus than other magnolias, it has fragrant, tulip-shaped flowers typical of magnolias, although its blossoms are yellow. It is a slow grower that's about 25 feet tall at maturity.

Culture

• Magnolia trees generally grow well in a spot that gets either full sun or partial shade. In a climate that typically has hot, strong sun in summer, these trees benefit from a spot in full morning sun, followed by some shade in the afternoon. A magnolia is generally a poor choice for an area with strong winds, which can damage the large, showy flowers. These trees do well in any type of moist, well-draining garden soil, but can grow poorly in dense, clay-rich soil that tends to hold water. Adding sand to your soil at planting time can improve its drainage and help a magnolia do well. Magnolias prefer regular moisture when young, but most types are moderately tolerant of dry spells once established.