Southern Magnolia Tree Growth Rate

Southern magnolia tree growth rate

Plant these trees in late spring or early fall, and be aware it can take 10 to 20 years for them to reach their full size.

Are Southern magnolias easy to grow?

Southern Magnolias are easy to grow in moist but well-drained acidic to neutral soils of average fertility. Constantly soggy or wet soils can be problematic. So make sure to plant them in a well-drained site.

How can I make my southern magnolia grow faster?

Mulching under a magnolia tree can spur it to grow quickly by keeping the roots cool and moist during hot summer months. For best results, spread straw, shredded bark or another organic mulch in spring, extending the mulched zone a foot or two past the tree's root zone; renew the mulch as it breaks down.

How many years does it take for a southern magnolia to bloom?

Magnolia trees generally don't begin to bloom until they are around 10years old. Another reason why Magnolia trees might not flower is that they are not in the proper climate hardiness zones. Magnolia trees need to be in climates that are warm enough for them to bloom.

Where should you not plant a magnolia tree?

Magnolias prefer full sun to light shade. If you live in a particularly warm or dry climate, your magnolia might benefit from a location shaded from the hot afternoon sun. If possible, avoid exposed, windy locations because strong winds can damage large flowers and the typically brittle branches.

Can I plant a magnolia tree next to my house?

Determining how far from your home you should plant a magnolia tree is no easy feat. However, it's best to measure about 50 feet away from your house to ensure you don't run into trouble as the tree matures.

Is a southern magnolia a messy tree?

ANSWER: Unfortunately, the southern magnolia tree is considered a messy tree by most standards. So you might want to keep looking if that's your biggest criteria. These trees drop their old leaves each spring and also drop seed pods during the later portion of summer.

Are Southern magnolias good trees?

Southern magnolias can grow in sun or shade, and although they prefer moist, well-drained acidic soils, they can tolerate fluctuations in soil moisture. They even adapt to clay soils, and once well established, they are relatively drought tolerant. They have few pests and generally don't require pruning.

What time of year is best to plant magnolia trees?

What time of year should you plant a Magnolia? Deciduous magnolias (those that drop their leaves in fall) are best planted when dormant, typically in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring.

Do magnolia trees need a lot of water?

Water. Magnolias need to be watered 1 - 2 times a week for the first 6 months after planting, until the roots are established. After that, they will only need water during periods of extreme drought.

What is the easiest magnolia tree to grow?

Best magnolia for a small garden or pot Magnolia stellata is a great small magnolia tree for a smaller garden or a container, in sun or shade. It's a deciduous shrub with star-shaped blooms that appear before the leaves, in early spring. They have a very light fragrance.

Do Southern Magnolia trees need a lot of water?

Irrigation is essential in dry climates in both the summer and winter. Magnolia prefers between 40 and 80 inches of water every year. Mulch will conserve soil moisture and speed penetration of water into the root zone.

What month do Southern magnolias bloom?

Blooms May through June, with some blossoms throughout the summer months. Is an evergreen, keeping most (but not all) of its leaves year-round. Features leathery leaves 5–10" in length, lustrous dark green on top with a soft, rusty underside.

How old do magnolia trees have to be before they bloom?

Southern magnolia produces large, fragrant, creamy white flowers in late spring to early summer. The seeds are cone like and show bright red seeds. Naturally occurring magnolia trees produce flowers as young as 10 years old, but optimum production under forest conditions usually does not occur until age 25.

Do magnolias bloom the first year?

Once planted, a magnolia tree takes about 10 years (give or take) to bloom in the South, according to Southern Living, a region where gardeners particularly prize this stunning specimen.

Are magnolia trees high maintenance?

Magnolia trees are low-maintenance trees that won't require much pruning. Of course, you can prune off the flowers as their life cycle is ending. However, this can become extremely challenging when the plant has grown.

Is magnolia a good backyard tree?

Most magnolias are excellent lawn trees; try to provide a good-size grass-free area around the trunk, and don't plant under the tree. Balled-and-burlapped plants are available in late winter and early spring; container plants are sold all year.

Are Southern magnolia roots invasive?

Are magnolia roots invasive? The answer is yes and no. While the roots are not necessarily invasive, you may get magnolia tree root damage when the trees grow too close to your house. Most tree roots seek a water source, and magnolia tree roots are no exception.

Do magnolia trees cause foundation problems?

They can, however, damage a foundation in the following ways: Roots can sometimes penetrate a building's foundation through pre-existing cracks. Large root systems that extend beneath a house can cause foundation uplift.

How far from fence should I plant magnolia tree?

Since Magnolia Trees grow best with minimal invasion of other plants, it is best to also plant these at least 6 feet from fences or buildings, although 10 feet or more is preferable.

10 Southern magnolia tree growth rate Images