Magnolia grandiflora     
Southern magnolia   
Magnoliaceae Family     

giant flower on Magnolia grandiflora

Form: dense pyramidal tree, rounded with age
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: 60-80ft under optimal conditions, spread of 30-50ft, in Tucson usually only 40ft high
Leaves: alternate, large (to 8in long), crisp; top dark green, fuzzy and rust color underneath
Flowers: huge creamy white disk, 8-20in across, scented, bloom in early summer
Fruit: pods on branch terminal in fall, aggregate, vaguely pine-cone like, 4-5in long 3in across opens to release bright red seeds
Stems/Trunks: concealed by thick foliage
Range/Origin: North Caroline, Florida, Texas
Hardiness: to 10°F

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• shade tree
• accent
• glossy tropical color

Magnolia grandiflora

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: in Tucson, on east sides of buildings
• Water: moderate to high
• Soil: uniform deep amended soil, neither sand nor loam, okay near washes
• Propagation: seed, has chilling requirement to break dormancy
• Maintenance: low; flower and seed drop

NOTES:

Does not perform to its potential in Tucson, will not attain full size nor will flowers be as fragrant or large as when grown in its native habitat, best in lower parts of Tucson

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This page was first created September 21, 2001 and last modified March 16, 2006.

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Web page design and photographs by Toni Moore, Master Gardener
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