Hardy Magnolia Varieties - Learn About Zone 6 Magnolia Trees

Hardy zone 6 magnolia trees include Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), which grows in USDA zone 4 through 8, and Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), which grows in zones 5 through 10. Cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata) is an extremely tough tree that tolerates extreme cold winters of zone 3.

What is the hardiest magnolia tree?

You can't beat the star magnolia (Magnolia kobus var. stellata) for chilly areas. It's one of the best zone 4 magnolias, readily available in nurseries in the northern states. This cultivar stays gorgeous all season, budding in spring then showing off its star-shaped, fragrant flowers all summer.

What zones do magnolia trees grow in?

The tree does best in USDA zones 7 to 9, where it will grow in partial or full sunlight. Though evergreen, leaf drop may occur in the cooler end of its range. Southern magnolia should be planted in a protected location, as strong winds can damage its lustrous 4-inch leaves.

How hardy is a magnolia tree?

This magnolia is one of the best known species because it is very cold hardy (USDA Zones 4-8), widely adaptable and blooms when very small. Star Magnolia is a slow growing, broad spreading, small tree or large shrub, ultimately reaching 15 feet tall or more. Leaves may be 4-8 inches long and up to 3 inches wide.

How far should a magnolia tree be planted from a house?

In general, plant large trees 30 to 50 feet from the house foundation to prevent damage by the roots. While magnolia roots are not considered invasive, they may seek out leaking water or sewer lines.

What is the most beautiful magnolia tree?

Southern Magnolia

With the floral name, Magnolia grandiflora, this beauty is the most common variety. So if you hear someone talking about a magnolia tree, this is probably the one they're referring to! Its large, creamy white and very fragrant flowers grace this broad leafed evergreen in late spring and early summer.

Which magnolia tree is fast growing?

Fast growing trees grow more than 24 inches a year. 'Samuel Sommer' (Magnolia grandiflora 'Samuel Sommer') is a fast-growing cultivar that has bronze and green leaves up to 14 inches wide, and grows from 30 to 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide.

Can you keep a magnolia tree small?

Growing Potted Magnolia Trees. ... And while standard magnolia varieties can reach 80 feet in height, several smaller cultivars max out at 20 feet tall. This means that a magnolia grown in a container or pot can brighten even a small space, and it can be moved to suit your (and your tree's) needs.

Are magnolia trees hard to grow?

If you've long admired the beauty of magnolias, you'll be happy to learn that they're quite easy to grow. And with over 80 species native to North America and Asia, there's sure to be one that's right for your yard.

Can magnolia trees grow in Zone 6?

Hardiness of magnolia trees varies widely depending on the species. ... Both are evergreen trees. Hardy zone 6 magnolia trees include Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), which grows in USDA zone 4 through 8, and Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), which grows in zones 5 through 10.

Are magnolia trees fast growing?

These trees grow to a height of 80 feet (24 m.) tall with a spread of some 40 feet (12 m.). Southern magnolia facts suggest that the trees grow quite fast, shooting up some 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm.) per year.

How long do magnolia trees live?

Magnolia Tree Lifespan

A Southern magnolia, given a home in rich, moist, well-drained soil and a humid environment and plenty of room to grow to its maximum height of 80 feet tall and 40 feet in diameter, could live 80 to 120 years.

Are magnolias full sun?

Magnolias are happy in almost any climate, especially if you can provide protection from harsh conditions. Prefer full sun to light shade; in particularly warm or dry climates, trees benefit from afternoon shade.

Do magnolias have invasive roots?

Primary roots always grow in the vertical orientation while secondary and tertiary roots grow in the horizontal orientation. The roots of Little Gem Magnolia have a characteristic of wide-spreading, stretching from trunk to a span of four times the umbrella diameter but they're non-invasive.

Are magnolia trees bad for foundations?

However, magnolia tree roots are not considered as invasive and potentially destructive as some root systems. But their large spread can affect weak foundations. Large magnolia trees can indirectly lead to foundation problems if they shield a house wall from sunlight and create damp conditions.

Do port wine magnolias have invasive roots?

The flowers are small and tend to stay as buds rather than open fully, a little sulphate of potash can help encourage flowering. The root system is fairly shallow and not regarded as invasive, excellent in paved areas.

Do magnolia trees need a lot of water?

In general, you should water magnolia trees once a week during the first two growing seasons and twice a month in subsequent years. Magnolias planted in sandy soils need regular watering in smaller amounts, while magnolias in clay soils require deep, infrequent waterings.

What is the best mulch for Magnolias?

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the trunk. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on soil and weather conditions.

Do magnolia trees bloom twice a year?

It is normal for some of the healthy magnolias to flower twice. The one on the right is a star magnolia, of some type.

What kind of fertilizer does a magnolia tree need?

An appropriate fertilizer for a magnolia tree would be 12-4-8 or 20-5-10. The amount of fertilizer given is based on the amount of nitrogen required. A general guideline to use for a magnolia tree would be 1/10 pound of nitrogen for every inch of trunk diameter.

Do magnolia trees stay green all year?

There are about 125 species of magnolia which may be evergreen, deciduous or even semi-evergreen. The lustrous green leaves are a standout feature with light green, silver or reddish fuzzy undersides. Evergreen magnolias afford the pleasure of enjoying a leafy tree year-round.

How long does magnolia take to grow?

A magnolia tree or shrub is a long-term investment – they are slow growing and can take 10-20 years to reach their ultimate size.