Most Popular Types Of Magnolia Trees

Magnolia trees are famous for their beautiful flowers, glossy green leaves, and decadent scent. Various types of magnolia trees are suitable for growing in colder climates; however, the most well-known is the iconic Southern magnolia tree. 

Magnolias are popular for their leathery, large leaves and impressive pink or white flowers that appear in the early spring. The great quality of magnolia plants is that they can be both deciduous and evergreen depending on what climatic region they are growing. Some species of magnolia plants are classic upright trees, whereas some plants are shrubby and change their growth depending on the environment.

Taking care of magnolia trees is very easy. The plant is resistant to most pests or diseases, is loved by migrating birds, and can tolerate harsh southern summers or even cold northern winters.

Types of Magnolia Trees:

There is a wide range of Magnolia tree species, and each has a special quality that makes them unique. Below we have created a list of some popular types of Magnolia trees that are loved by people all around the world.

Anise Magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia)

Anise magnolia tree leaves resemble those of a willow shrub or tree. The leaves are a little wider than the willow leaves but smaller than the usual magnolia leaf. This is a deciduous tree and produces pretty white flowers with strappy petals before spring. Anise Magnolia turns into pretty golden yellow color in fall and can grow up to a height of 30 feet. This tree is native to Japan.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)

The magnolia tree lives to the name and produces big leaves up to 32 inches long. Like many other magnolia trees, Bigleaf is also a deciduous tree. However, it can be evergreen in warmer regions. The bigleaf magnolia tree flower starts to appear in May and can be up to 10 inches with white purple petals. The tree is native to Mexico and Southern U.S and can grow up to 60 feet tall. However, the average height is 30-40 feet.

Ashes Magnolia (Magnolia ashei)

Ashes magnolia are also considered as a sub types of the bigleaf magnolia trees. It can grow both as a small tree or large shrub, depending on how you prune it. The tree received its name in honor of William Ashe of the U.S Forest Service. Ashes Magnolia tree grow pretty white flower that can be 1 foot long and bloom after the emergence of leaves in spring. This magnolia plant is native to Florida and reaches a maximum height of 30 feet.

cumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata)

Cucumber tree magnolia is given the name because its fruits resemble cucumber. This is one of the types of a magnolia tree that is most resistant to cold weather.  This magnolia tree has large glossy leaves that can grow upto 10 inches long and have a similar growth habitat of a southern magnolia tree. The tulip-shaped flowers on this magnolia tree are only 2 inches long. This tree gives a good shade and is a great specimen for colder climates.

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Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora)

This one of the smallest types of magnolia trees, and it can be as a small tree or shrub. Before the leaves start to emerge during early spring, the shrub blooms large pink or reddish flowers resembling lilies with a beautiful scent. Nigra, a favorite cultivator, is popular for its deep colored flower. Once the flowers have bloomed, dark green leaves start to appear. Lily Magnolia is a parent species of Saucer Magnolia. It is native to Southwest China and has an average height of 8-12 feet.

Copeland Court (Magnolia sprengeri var. diva)

This tree is also known by the name Sprenger Magnolia. It is a small tree with a symmetrical shape. The tree blooms sugar pink color flowers and dark green leaves, which have a silver undertone. Copeland Court Magnolia grows best in partial shade or complete sun as well as well-drained soil. This tree has won several international flower awards.

kobus Magnolia (Magnolia kubos)

Kobus Magnolia are slow-growing types of magnolia trees and exhibit the traits of Classic magnolia. This magnolia tree is native to Japan and Korea and blooms a beautiful pink flower that appears before the large green leaves open.

This tree is also known as Japanese magnolia. People who desire early-season flowers plant this tree. This species can form multiple trunks, but you can retain its shape by regular pruning. Kobus magnolia can grow upto 25-50 feet tall and sometimes 75 feet in the case of old trees.

Wada’s Memory (Magnolia salicifolia)

This is one of the types of Anise Magnolia trees. This hybrid tree has willowy white flower petals with yellow centers. Wada Memory magnolia tree is very conspicuous and showy, which is why it has won several international flower awards.  This tree does not grow well in colder weather, so you will have to be extra careful in the late frosts.

Loebner Magnolia (Magnolia × loebneri)

This magnolia tree is a hybrid between a star magnolia and Kobus magnolia. Loebner magnolia trees are small in size and have multiple stems. You can prune it to create a central leader. Beautiful scented pink and white flowers shaped like a star start blooming in early spring. The flowers can be up to six inches wide and appear before dark green oval leaves emerge. This magnolia tree has small leaves that are smaller than 5 inches. Loebner magnolia is a hybrid plant and can grow in various regions.

Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana)

Saucer Magnolia is a hybrid of Yulan and Magnolia Tree. This tree can either grow as a small tree or a large shrub with various stems. Saucer Magnolia is commonly found in the United States and can grow up to 20-25 feet tall. You can see beautiful pink and white blooms in early spring before the leaves start to emerge. There are many cultivators of Saucer Magnolia with different color flowers ranging from pink to deep purple. People also know it by the name Tulip Magnolia Tree.

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

The Southern Magnolia tree is what comes to mind when we read about them in novels of South Antebellum. This magnolia tree grows flowers, which are the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana. Southern Magnolia is a large evergreen tree that requires a lot of space and grows elliptical leathery leaves that are 10 inches long. In midsummer to early autumn, you will notice white flowers that can grow up to 12 inches. Most magnolia trees prefer full sun; however, southern magnolia is one of the types of magnolia trees that grow best in partial shade. This tree is native to the Southeastern U.S and can grow up to 60-80 feet tall.

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Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

Star Magnolia is a small deciduous tree that is native to Japan. It can also grow as a large shrub and blooms pretty star-shaped white flowers during early spring or late winter. This magnolia tree grows bulbs earlier than any other types of magnolia trees. If possible, plant this tree in a sheltered location to make the blooming longer in spring as they get easily damaged by frost. It can reach a height of 15-20 feet.

Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)

Also known as the Beaver tree, laurel magnolia, or swamp magnolia in various regions. Sweetbay Magnolia grows as a deciduous shrubby plant in cooler locations with multiple stems. Whereas, in warmer zones, it has grown as an evergreen and upright tree. This magnolia plant is usually seen in Eastern U.S and dwells really well in clay soils or boggy locations. Sweetbay magnolia blooms waxy white flowers in mid-summer to early autumn and grows shiny green long leaves with silver undersides. 

Umbrella Magnolia (Magnolia tripetala)

Umbrella magnolia derived its name due to its huge shiny leaves drooping down the end of branches. This small tree is native to North America and can grow multiple stems. The natural habitat of umbrella magnolia is the understory forests of Appalachia. It dwells well in shady areas and blooms creamy white flowers just after the leaves start to emerge. The flowers have a unpleasing fragrance and can grow upto 6-10 inches long. Umbrella magnolia can grow upto 15 to 30 feet tall.

Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)

Sweet Bay Magnolia is also known as Swamp magnolia. This tree will grace you with a slender creamy white flower that opens up in the morning and closes down during the evening. Sweet bay magnolia trees can grow up to 35 feet high and bear cones like fruits with red berries. Its fruits make it very striking to look at.

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Vulcan

This magnolia tree starts to grow upright, but with age, it starts to round up. Vulcan magnolia tree has rich ruby red petals with a sweet scent that starts blooming in early mid-spring. The tree can grow up to 15 feet tall. The deep green and ovate foliage make the petals of the tree stand out a lot and are very eye-catching when it is in full bloom.

Final Words:

Magnolia trees are quite popular for their striking appearance and beautiful flowers with a sweet scent. There are various types of magnolia trees that can grow upto 70 feet tall and even as small as a shrub. Magnolias are prone to fungal diseases, which usually manifest in various leaf spots. Trees that are growing in shady, wet, or humid locations are more likely to be hit by fungal diseases. Following a good pruning routine will protect the tree from diseases and keep them in good condition. A good pruning routine also helps in improving the air circulation of the tree.