How Fast Do Magnolia Trees Grow? To answer these questions for you, we have researched magnolia tree varieties. The beauty of the magnolia trees makes them a captivating addition to any court. Magnolia trees grow well compared to smaller trees and can be protected with larger magnolia trees.
The growth rate of magnolia trees and their height vary depending on the species you bring in. Nevertheless, the average member of the magnolia family can be assumed to grow one to two metres per year. Trees can grow up to 60 to 80 feet tall when fully grown, meaning they need plenty of space to grow when you plant a tree in your garden.
Read on as we delve into the different growth rates and heights of magnolia species. We take the guesswork out of your magnolia landscape. Magnolia blossoms bloom in the hot summer sun, and magnolia trees grow fast. We have all the answers on how to encourage the growth of your magnolias and create the ideal environment.
To get to the details, you need to determine what type of magnolia tree you have in your garden and what you want to plant. Most magnolia trees grow fast and tend to stop growing when they are big enough.
Saucer Magnolia
Saucer magnolia is not a natural magnolia. It is a cross between the lily of the magnolia and various deciduous trees. It is shorter than many other magnolias and is loved for its broad white flowers and manageable growth rate. It stops growing at a height of about 1.50 m and thrives in zones four to nine.
Kobus Magnolia
These trees thrive best between zones five and eight, producing several trunks that can be pruned or allowed to flourish. Most magnolias grow at a rapid pace. But that is not the case with Kobus magnolia. Instead, they tend to grow about a foot a year and stop growing at about 50 feet.
Anise Magnolia
These magnolias, most commonly seen between zones six and nine, stop growing at about 30 feet in height. They are on the shorter side of the planting than anise magnolia. They resemble hedge trees and produce beautiful white flowers in spring.
Southern Magnolia
Southern magnolias are easily identifiable trees in the magnolia family. They grow to incredible heights, capping their growth at about 80 feet. They grow naturally between zones seven and nine.
Sweetbay Magnolia
The magnolia is an average tree. It is called beaver tree because beavers give it a special favor. Magnolias thrive in warmer climates and grow best between zones five and ten. They can grow up to 1.50 metres tall.
Bigleaf Magnolias
For those who want to add more shade to your garden, there is nothing quite like this green shrub to add some more shade to your garden.
Bigleaf magnolias grow up to 40 feet tall and thrive in zones five to eight. As the name suggests, the spreading leaves block the sun’s rays from the garden and the windows.
Umbrella Magnolia
Umbrella magnolias grow best between zones five and eight and can reach up to 30 feet tall. Umbrella magnolias have large canopies and collect rainwater with their shovel-like leaves.
Lily Magnolia
Lily magnolia thrives in zones seven to ten. In short, a magnolia tree is a lily of magnolia. It looks shrub-like and stands roughly like a lilac, but the flowers have a stronger fragrance.
Ashe’s Magnolia
The little magnolia (Ashe s magnolia) stops just before it grows 30 feet in height. However, the flowers of these magnolias can grow up to one metre long, making them an excellent and unique addition to a cultivated landscape. Usually seen in zones six to nine, they prefer full sun to partial shade and tend to look like hedges when standing on the tree.
Star Magnolia
Star magnolias stop growing when they reach 15 to 20 feet. They are known for their daisy-like spring flowers. Unfortunately, the tree and flowers are not particularly durable – they are best when exposed to moderate weather between zones four and eight.
The Sizes Of Magnolia Trees
Now that you know about the different types of magnolia trees a little more you may have a better idea of what can look the best in your garden.
Southern Magnolias – up to 80 feet. Kobus Magnolia – up to 50 feet. Bigleaf Magnolias – up to 40 feet. Sweetbay Magnolia – up to 35 feet tall. Anise Magnolias – up to 30 feet. Ashe’s Magnolia – up to 30 feet. Star Magnolia – up to 20 feet tall. Lily Magnolia – up to 12 feet tall. Which Magnolia Tree Is The Fastest Growing?
Of all the magnolia trees you can plant in your garden, the southern magnolia grows the fastest. A southern magnolia tree will grow about two meters per year, which is close to the top of the magnolia growth rate. You can expect the tree to stop growing at the upper end of its height scale, which means that after a few years you will have to contend with a tree in your backyard that is over 80 feet tall.
The good news is that you don’t have to put up with the care and maintenance of a tall, fast-growing tree. You can think about which tree you trim every year. Whether you do this on your own or with the help of a specialist, you can determine the direction and speed at which your magnolia tree grows. Even if you are unable to reduce the size of your magnolias, not to mention the growth rate, you still have a greater say in the way your tree takes shape.
Other fast-growing magnolia trees include:
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Where Do Magnolia Trees Grow Best?
As mentioned above, different species of magnolia trees have different needs. You will want to determine in advance what kind of magnolia tree will thrive in which zone. On average, one can expect a magnolia tree to thrive and grow best in zones four to ten.
For example, the star magnolia does not grow well in the same environment that promotes the southern magnolia. Magnolia trees grow best on soils that are naturally acidic. Since magnolia trees can grow in neutral and alkaline soils, it is in your best interest to manage the pH of your soil if you want your magnolia tree to flourish. You can do this by adding specialized mulch or peat moss to cover the soil around your plants and trees.
Do Magnolia Tree Need A Lot Of Water?
Magnolia trees do not need more water than an average tree. However, since they are seedlings, you should ensure that you water their bases at least once a week. As you move through your local growing season, you can reduce the number of irrigations of your magnolia by omitting once or twice a month.
If you are not sure what kind of care your particular magnolia needs, do not hesitate to contact a representative of your local nursery for more information on your zone and soil type. However, take into account the type of soil in which you plant your magnolia tree. Magnolia trees in clay soils suffer from overwatering. Magnolias in loose soil require careful care.
Can You Keep A Magnolia Tree Small?
Lily magnolias in particular are smaller than magnolia trees. They tend to look like hedges, but they are trees that can grow up to 12 feet tall if planted correctly. As mentioned above, several magnolia trees stop growing when they reach 80 feet.
Still, there are ways to keep other species of magnolia trees on the smaller side. One of the best ways to limit the growth of a magnolia tree is to regularly prune it down. You may not be able to slow down the growth of the trunk, but you can control the spread of the canopy by regular pruning. In return, you can prevent the tree from suffocating other trees and taking up too much space in your garden.
In Closing
There are different types of magnolia trees that grow at different speeds and heights. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a magnolia that is on the smaller side, you might want to invest in one that looks like a lily magnolia. When it comes to designing your garden, you can be sure that you have a wealth of tree and hedge options at your disposal. If you are interested in planting a tree from the magnolia family, just make sure you plan a little in advance. You can, for example, look for a tree that makes a statement or how a southern magnolia fits your garden.
