What is the best magnolia tree for Zone 7?
The ‘Teddy Bear’ magnolia is a slightly smaller version of ‘Little Gem,’ but with bigger flowers. It grows 15- to 20-feet tall and 10 feet wide and is hardy to USDA Zone 7. If you’re looking for a smaller magnolia tree with star-shaped flowers, the Magnolia Little Gem is an excellent choice. It’s a compact tree that can fit in even small gardens, and its flowers are stunning. If you’re looking for a larger tree with show-stopping flowers, the Teddy Bear Magnolia is the way to go.Magnolia are prized for their large tulip or star shaped flowers that come in shades of white, pink, purple and even yellow. They make fantastic ornamental garden trees or shrubs, with the flowering season ranging from early spring to late summer.Magnolias are full sun to part shade lovers, meaning they thrive best in bright, direct sunlight for at least part of the day, but they can also tolerate some shade.Some magnolias are small shrubs, perfect for adding interest to a mixed border or small garden. Others can grow to be tall trees, providing a commanding presence in a landscape.All the charm of a southern magnolia in a smaller size, the little gem magnolia is a popular ornamental choice for people living in hardiness zones 6 through 10. It is often used as a standout landscape specimen, to add evergreen beauty near decks and patios, as a floral screen or hedge, and in large containers.
What is the best magnolia tree for small spaces?
Magnolia stellata is one of the best for really small gardens. As the name suggests, it has star-shaped flowers, formed of strap-shaped petals. Magnolia trees are relatively low-maintenance. With proper planting, watering, and occasional pruning, they will thrive and add beauty to your garden for years to come.A dwarf southern magnolia with smaller dark green foliage and a very compact narrow form. The large, glossy, evergreen leaves have rusty-brown undersides. Very attractive, large, white, fragrant blooms. A naturally small tree or large shrub perfect for small gardens.While some Magnolias can be large shrubs or trees that could swallow up the average garden, there are quite a few Magnolia cultivars of smaller stature that would fit small yards.Planting Your Magnolia Tree Magnolias love the sun but can also tolerate partial shade.Magnolias are known for being messy when they drop their flowers in late spring, but the least messy magnolia variety is the sweetbay magnolia.
What is the smallest type of magnolia tree?
The Little Gem is the tree for you if you love the traditional Southern Magnolia, but don’t have the space. This evergreen magnolia tree is a dwarf version of the Southern Magnolia. It only grows to about 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide, whereas its mom can grow over 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide! Unlike its larger relatives, Little Gem is well-suited for smaller garden spaces, making it a favourite for urban gardeners. But what about the common concern: Are Little Gem Magnolia roots invasive? Fortunately, their root system is generally non-invasive, making them a safe choice for planting near structures.The Super Gem Magnolia is a brilliant alternative to the Little Gem magnolia. With its wider canopy and fuller form, make it perfect for screening or as a standalone feature tree, adding both beauty and privacy to any landscape.
Do magnolias like sun or shade?
Magnolias prefer a spot in the garden that receives full sun to light shade. That said, if you live in a particularly warm or dry climate, your magnolia might benefit from a location shaded from the hot afternoon sun. Teddy Bear’ has since eclipsed ‘Little Gem’ as the Magnolia of choice, as it is a more vigorous plant with better foliage. Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ is a relatively small and compact Magnolia, growing only to 4-6m. It is usually a very dense grower and will bloom on and off right through the year.Cons of Magnolias Shallow roots: Magnolias have shallow root systems, which can make them susceptible to damage from strong winds or nearby construction. Messy fallen leaves and flowers: Evergreen magnolias drop large glossy leaves year-round, while deciduous varieties shed both leaves and flowers in the fall.These trees typically need little care to survive winter, and proper planning ensures your trees will be healthy and loaded with flowers by spring. Magnolia trees are hardy in zones 4 through 9, so trees in zones 4 and below will need additional care to help them get through the winter.A magnolia bush or tree is a long-term investment – they are slow growing and can take 10-20 years to reach their ultimate size. It’s therefore worth taking the time to choose the right variety for your garden. The flowers, ultimate size and the conditions in your garden will determine which magnolia you grow.
What month is best to plant a magnolia tree?
The best time to plant a magnolia is during its dormant period, therefore, between October and March. You can plant magnolias in fall or spring. If you are wondering when the best time to plant magnolia trees it is spring so they have the whole growing season to establish. Avoid planting in summer or winter.Generally, an overwatered Southern magnolia will have yellowing leaves and may even drop some leaves. Also, overwatering can cause the overall structure of your plant to shrivel and may also promote root rot.In late fall or early winter, the magnolia tree will begin to prepare for dormancy. This is when the tree’s leaves will start to turn yellow and fall off. Once all of the leaves have fallen, the magnolia tree will be completely dormant until spring.Always prune between mid-summer and early autumn when the leaves are fully open. If you need to limit the size of your magnolia, aim to maintain an open crown with a uniform shape. It’s better to cut back to a fork or the trunk, which gives a better appearance.
Where is the best place to plant a small magnolia tree?
They are hardy, but prefer a sheltered spot and moist, well-drained soil. Some need slightly acidic or neutral conditions. Many magnolias are deciduous, losing their leaves over winter, but a few are evergreen, with dark glossy leaves all year round. Most magnolia trees do best in full sun, with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. In more southern grow zones, some varieties can tolerate some afternoon shade.Magnolias can be grown in large pots or planters with good drainage – choose a pot that’s at least 2 to 3 times bigger than the original nursery pot. Select a dwarf-growing magnolia tree, suitable for growing in pots. Fill your pot or planter with Scotts Osmocote® Premium Potting Mix.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.As a result, planting them too close to any structure can damage the root system. 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.