Magnolias come in many varieties, some suitable for cooler climates. They are famous for their large leaves and beautiful flowers that bloom early in the spring. Each type of Magnolia tree has their own unique beauty, so today through this article, we will discuss the 12 of the most popular types of Magnolia Trees. 

Types of Magnolia Trees and Shrubs:

1. Anise Magnolia / Magnolia Salicifolia-

Anise Magnolia is a small deciduous tree that has its origin in China, it is a willow-leafed magnolia, which has six petals flowers. These plants are wider than the willow leaves but not as wide as the usual magnolia leaf. Likewise, Anise Magnolia produces white flowers with strappy petals before the leaves in the early spring. When planted, this low-maintenance plant doesn’t need high care, it needs less pruning and only requires regular watering during dry days. 

2. Ashe’s Magnolia/Magnolia ashei-

Ashe’s Magnolia also known as Magnolia ashei is a small deciduous tree with a broad round top that usually reaches a height of 20-30 feet. If proper care and maintenance is given then this plant will grow in beautiful foliage and blossom every year. 

Moreover, it will flourish in well-drained soil with partial to full sun exposure. In addition to this, you have to water it regularly, making sure that the soil is not too soggy, and minimal fertilization is needed. 

3. Big Leaf Magnolia/ Magnolia Macrophylla-

Big Leaf Magnolia scientifically known as Magnolia Macrophylla, is a broadleaved tree known for its beauty and normally reaches a height of 30-40 feet. Likewise, it usually blooms in late spring to early summer between May and June. 

Plant the big leaf magnolia in a proper location that receives partial shade to full sun exposure, and keep watering checking the moist level of the soil. Moreover, this plant does not need much fertilization, but minimal pruning is required for Big Leaf Magnolia to bloom and to make your garden attractive. 

4. Cucumber Tree/Magnolia Acuminata- 

The Cucumber Tree also known as Magnolia Acuminata is a magnolia tree, known for tropical looking foliage and unique seed cones. It grows quickly and typically lives about 80 to 120 years, reaching to the height of 80-90 feet tall. When in the starting phase, it has a pyramid shape and later forms a clear straight trunk with a rounded crown at maturity. The flowers are fragrant and bloom between April to June. 

It is a low-maintenance plant, however, once it is planted, you need to water it during the dry days, and to ensure the healthy growth of the plant, remove the dead or damaged leaves from the plant. 

5. Lily Magnolia/ Magnolia liliflora-

Lily Magnolia known as Magnolia liliflora is a small tree reaching a height of 4m tall which blooms in early to mid-spring. The flowers vary in color from shades of pink to purple. It is also a low-maintenance plant like the other variety of magnolia. For a healthy growth of Lily Magnolia, you have to place it in the full sun to partial shade sun exposure, and in a well-drained or slightly acidic soil. 

6. Loebner Magnolia /Magnolia × loebneri-

Loebner Magnolia / Magnolia × loebneri is a beautiful hybrid tree that is famous for its shape, fragrant blossoms, and its flexibility of growing in different conditions. Early in the spring, the Loebner Magnolia grows with fragrant, star-shaped flowers before the leaves appear, the flowers are usually white, or light pink. It will flourish well in the well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. 

This plant, Loebner Magnolia, with its beautiful shape, flowers, and bright leaves is a popular ornamental tree that adds charm to any outdoor area or space.

7. Kobus Magnolia/ Magnolia Kubos-

Kobus Magnolia, scientifically known as Magnolia Kubos is a deciduous tree famous for its shape, and beautiful flowers, native to East Asia mainly from Japan and Korea, which grows to reach a height of 20-30 feet. They are also a low-maintenance plant like the other varieties of Magnolia plant requiring pruning sometimes to maintain the shape and remove the damaged branches from the plant.

8. Saucer Magnolia/Magnolia x soulangiana-

Saucer Magnolia also known as Magnolia x Soulangiana is a hybrid magnolia, a cross between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora. Normally, it grows to a height of 20-30 feet. The early spring blooms of this plant are among its amazing features. The oval-shaped leaves of the tree grow as the weather warms, giving the fading flowers a lush green scenery.

9. Southern Magnolia/ Magnolia grandiflora-

Southern Magnolia is an evergreen tree originating from the southeastern United States, known for its iconic glossy leaves and large, and fragrant blossoms. Moreover, this plant is famous for its large, flexible leaves with a glossy dark green upper surface that reaches up to 8 inches in length. From late spring to early summer, Southern Magnolia makes stunning creamy white flowers with a sweet citrus fragrance.

10. Star Magnolia/ Magnolia Stellata-

Star Magnolia, known as Magnolia Stellata is a beautiful shrub or small tree famous for its beauty and early spring blooms. It often reaches a height of 10-15 feet which spreads equally, creating a dense, rounded canopy of branches. Also, it is suitable to grow in small flower pots, containers, small gardens, or urban areas.

One of the first trees to bloom in the spring is the Star Magnolia which appear in stunning white or pink blossoms in the shape of stars.

11. Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)-

Sweetbay Magnolia is another beautiful type of Magnolia tree, scientifically known as Magnolia virginiana, originating in the southeastern United States. This Magnolia tree is a medium-sized tree that grows 10 to 60 feet tall. They flourish from late spring to early summer and appear in creamy white color. Also, Sweetbay Magnolia has cone-shaped fruits with bright red seeds after it flowers, which increases attraction to birds and other wildlife.

12. Umbrella Magnolia (Magnolia tripetala)-

Umbrella Magnolia, also scientifically referred to as Magnolia tripetala is a native tree in the Eastern United States. This beautiful flower blooms in late spring to early summer appearing in large, creamy white flowers with a citrusy fragrance. Umbrella Magnolia are easy to grow and look beautiful, whereas, Autumn brings a yellowing of the leaves.

Furthermore, it should be planted in a location that receives partial to full shade, as it doesn’t require much fertilization. When watering make sure the soul stays always moist. 

FAQs

1. Do Magnolia trees and shrubs need special care or maintenance?

Magnolia trees and shrubs are a low maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning, and watering to flourish properly in your garden.

2. What is the Magnolia tree’s common name?

Magnolia Trees are named “Magnolia”, as there are many types and varieties of magnolias trees, and are known for their large glossy leaves, they are referred to as magnolias.

3. Which is the oldest Magnolia tree?

There is no exact information about the oldest magnolia tree, however, as per some sources, Magnolia Grandiflora/ Southern Magnolia is estimated to be over 250 years old.

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