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The Magnolia is most commonly known as a wonderfully fragrant flowering tree native to the southeastern part of the United States though some cultivars are hardy to zone 4 with ample protection. These magnificent plants can come in evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous varieties, in tree form with either single or multiple trunks or as shrubs. These relatively slow growers vary in height from 25-90 feet tall with a canopy between 10-40 feet wide. The flowers can be 2-10 inches wide, in varying shapes from global, loosely star shaped and saucer shaped and in colors ranging from purest white, cream, beige, yellow, pink, mauve, purple, red and many bi-colors. They have leaves ranging from 1-8 inches long and virtually any type imaginable. Depending on cultivar they could be any combination of the following, glossy, narrow, coarse, leathery, heavy, broad or furry and in colors like dark, medium, light or grayish green, reddish brown, rust and copper. Needless to say, Magnolias can be virtually anything you want.
There are three basic types of Magnolia, the Evergreen, the Saucer, the Star. The growing requirements for each vary but in general they like to be in full sun though some do considerably well in part shade. They have a rather delicate root system and prefer a rich, slightly acidic, un-compacted soil, well draining yet with ample moisture. They appreciate a thick mulch ring to help protect those tender roots from both excessive heat and bitter cold. They dislike dry, hot windy areas. As most of these can be large trees they require much space. They don’t look their best when crowded as it tends to make them spindly. Magnolias rarely require pruning but when necessary do it after flowering and cut the branch down to the base. Pests and diseases of a serious nature seldom attack Magnolias. In general they are quite carefree plants.
One cultivar in particular, the semi-evergreen known as Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia Virginiana), is a favorite for northern gardeners. It is quite at home in the hot humid swamps of the southeastern United States but it also grows quite contentedly in the swampy zone 5 of northeast Pennsylvania. Because it loses its leaves in the coldest areas it is considered a semi-evergreen up north but down south it is evergreen.
The most beloved of Magnolias is the evergreen Magnolia Grandiflora with huge, pure white, very fragrant flowers, 8-10 inches wide blooming in one big spring time show and then again in less regular fashion throughout the summer and autumn seasons. The seed pods that form after flowering are similar to pine cones though they are a bright and noticeable orange-red and can make a bit of a sloppy mess under the tree when they start to drop though they often stay attached to the tree through the winter. At 80 feet high and 40 wide it makes an impressive shade tree. You’ll need a big yard for this one.
If, however, your yard is small you can still have a Magnolia. The Saucer Magnolia (M. Soulangiana) is the small, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub of choice for the front lawn as it gets only to 25 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide. It has a spectacular springtime show when blooming. The flowers are cup or saucer shaped, hence the name, and in varying shades of white, pink, mauve, purple and red depending on cultivar. The stems are a smooth gray color and in winter the flower buds all fuzzy and protruding look rather nice.
The Star Magnolia is also a good choice for northern gardens and the small yard as it is very slow growing only to 10 feet high and 20 wide. The flowers are 3 inched wide, creamy white, fragrant and a bit floppy petaled. It blooms extremely early in spring which, unfortunately, means the blossoms often get nipped by a late frost. But it is a very interesting plant for winter interest with its fuzzy flower buds sticking out ready for the first sign of spring to burst forth with a profusion of pretty flowers.
Magnolias truly live up to the hype more so than most trees. They require so little of you that once planted you will get nothing but joy. What else can give you that?
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 Visit http://www.helium.com/user/32782 for more garden talk, short stories and Novel excerpts.
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