Complete Gardening
Magnolias are a quintessential addition to any landscape, offering breathtaking blooms and diverse visual appeal.
With a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, these trees and shrubs can transform a garden into a serene paradise.
Discover 25 stunning types of magnolia trees and shrubs that will enhance your outdoors.
1. Southern Magnolia
The Southern Magnolia, known for its impressive stature, stands as a classic symbol of the American South. This evergreen beauty offers large, fragrant white flowers that captivate any passerby.
Its glossy, dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop that remains vibrant year-round. Ideal for spacious landscapes, the Southern Magnolia can reach heights of up to 80 feet, offering ample shade.
Plant in full sun to partial shade for best results, and enjoy its stunning presence as it enhances your garden’s charm.
2. Star Magnolia
The Star Magnolia is a delightful harbinger of spring, with its star-shaped blossoms unfurling in a dazzling display. This deciduous shrub or small tree reaches heights of up to 20 feet.
Its fragrant flowers, often appearing before the leaves, create a striking spectacle. Perfect for small gardens, the Star Magnolia thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Its elegant branches add visual interest to the landscape even during winter, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
3. Saucer Magnolia
The Saucer Magnolia captivates with its large, saucer-shaped blooms that range from pink to purple. This deciduous tree reaches up to 30 feet in height, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting.
Its early spring flowers are a welcome sight, adding vibrant color to gardens. The Saucer Magnolia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
With its stunning blossoms and manageable size, it is perfect for front yards or as a focal point in larger landscapes.
4. Sweetbay Magnolia
The Sweetbay Magnolia stands out with its creamy white flowers that offer a lemony fragrance. This semi-evergreen variety is smaller, with heights of up to 50 feet.
Its bright green leaves and red seeds add year-round interest, particularly in moist, acidic soils. Often found near water sources, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Its subtle beauty and adaptability make the Sweetbay Magnolia a cherished choice for nature enthusiasts.
5. Cucumber Tree Magnolia
The Cucumber Tree Magnolia is a majestic presence in any large landscape, reaching heights of 60 to 80 feet. Its name comes from the cucumber-like shape of its fruit.
This deciduous tree features yellow-green flowers that are less showy but add unique charm. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it suitable for park-like settings.
Its impressive size and distinctive fruit make the Cucumber Tree Magnolia a noteworthy addition to diverse landscapes.
6. Jane Magnolia
The Jane Magnolia is known for its spectacular purple-pink flowers that bloom in late spring. This deciduous shrub is compact, reaching about 10 to 15 feet.
Ideal for small spaces, it boasts a longer blooming period and resistance to late frosts. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth.
Its vibrant flowers and manageable size make it a popular choice for urban gardens and courtyards.
7. Ann Magnolia
The Ann Magnolia is cherished for its deep pink, tulip-shaped flowers that appear in mid-spring. This deciduous shrub grows to 8 to 10 feet.
It offers a compact form, perfect for limited spaces, and provides a long-lasting floral display. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it’s a versatile garden addition.
Its stunning blooms and ease of care make the Ann Magnolia a favorite among gardeners seeking elegance and simplicity.
8. Bigleaf Magnolia
The Bigleaf Magnolia boasts the largest leaves of any North American tree, reaching up to 30 inches long. Its white flowers are equally impressive, with a diameter of over 10 inches.
This deciduous tree can grow up to 60 feet, offering dramatic foliage and architectural elegance. It prefers rich, moist soil and partial shade.
With its massive leaves and stunning flowers, the Bigleaf Magnolia adds a tropical feel to any landscape, perfect for exotic garden themes.
9. Umbrella Magnolia
The Umbrella Magnolia is named for its distinctive leaf arrangement, resembling an umbrella. This deciduous tree can reach 40 feet in height.
Its creamy white flowers add to its appeal, and it thrives in well-drained, acidic soil. A shade-tolerant species, it is ideal for woodland gardens.
With its unique foliage and adaptability, the Umbrella Magnolia creates a lush, shaded retreat in any garden setting.
10. Yulan Magnolia
The Yulan Magnolia, native to China, is renowned for its pure white, fragrant flowers that bloom early in spring. Reaching up to 40 feet, it holds cultural significance as a symbol of purity.
This deciduous tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it a prominent feature in gardens. Its elegant branches and flowers create a serene landscape.
With its cultural heritage and graceful appearance, the Yulan Magnolia is a timeless choice for traditional and contemporary gardens alike.
11. Loebner Magnolia
The Loebner Magnolia is a hybrid known for its pink-tinged white flowers that appear in early spring. This small tree or shrub reaches 20 feet in height.
Its fragrant blossoms and compact size make it suitable for urban gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
With its charming flowers and low maintenance needs, the Loebner Magnolia is perfect for cityscapes needing a touch of nature’s beauty.
12. Lily Magnolia
The Lily Magnolia, also known as Magnolia liliflora, is admired for its aromatic, lily-like flowers in deep purple. This small shrub grows to about 10 feet.
Perfect for small spaces, it offers a stunning spring display and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
With its vibrant colors and pleasant scent, the Lily Magnolia adds a touch of elegance and fragrance to garden pathways and patios.
13. Fraser Magnolia
The Fraser Magnolia is native to the Appalachian Mountains and is recognized by its creamy white flowers and large green leaves. This deciduous tree grows up to 50 feet tall.
It flourishes in moist, well-drained soils and full sun to part shade, making it ideal for naturalized landscapes. Its foliage provides a lush backdrop throughout the growing season.
With its majestic presence and adaptability, the Fraser Magnolia is a treasured choice for woodland gardens and mountain settings.
14. Kobus Magnolia
The Kobus Magnolia hails from Japan and blooms with abundant white flowers in early spring. This deciduous tree can grow up to 50 feet tall.
Its dense foliage offers shade and privacy, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. It is often used in large landscapes for its impressive floral display.
With its robust growth and beautiful blossoms, the Kobus Magnolia is ideal for institutional and public gardens seeking an eye-catching feature.
15. White Cucumber Tree
The White Cucumber Tree is a unique magnolia variant, named for its cucumber-shaped seed pods. It features white, fragrant flowers that appear in late spring.
This deciduous tree can reach heights of 60 feet, thriving in moist, well-drained soil and full to partial sun. It is often found near rivers and wetlands.
With its striking flowers and distinctive seed pods, the White Cucumber Tree offers a touch of wild beauty to natural landscapes.
16. Yellow Bird Magnolia
The Yellow Bird Magnolia dazzles with its striking yellow flowers that bloom in mid-spring. This deciduous tree reaches up to 40 feet, adding vibrant color to any garden.
Its upward-facing blooms provide a cheerful contrast against its green foliage. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for urban landscapes.
With its vivid hues and elegant form, the Yellow Bird Magnolia is perfect for adding a splash of sunshine to parks and public spaces.
17. Butterflies Magnolia
The Butterflies Magnolia is named for its butterfly-like yellow flowers that emerge early in spring. This deciduous tree grows to about 20 feet tall.
Its compact size and vibrant blooms make it suitable for smaller gardens. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, providing an eye-catching floral display.
With its charming flowers and manageable height, the Butterflies Magnolia enhances gardens with its cheerful presence and is perfect for gardeners seeking unique color.
18. Susan Magnolia
The Susan Magnolia is a hardy shrub known for its deep magenta, tulip-shaped flowers. It grows up to 12 feet, offering a striking floral display in mid-spring.
This compact variety is ideal for urban gardens, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its blossoms are resistant to late frosts, ensuring a vibrant spring show.
With its bold colors and resilience, the Susan Magnolia is perfect for contemporary landscapes seeking a splash of color.
19. Black Tulip Magnolia
The Black Tulip Magnolia captivates with its deep purple, tulip-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. This deciduous tree can reach up to 20 feet.
Its dramatic flowers and compact form make it ideal for small gardens and courtyards. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
With its rich hues and elegant silhouette, the Black Tulip Magnolia adds sophistication and drama to any landscape.
20. Wada’s Memory Magnolia
Wada’s Memory Magnolia is celebrated for its white, fragrant flowers and graceful form. This deciduous tree can grow up to 30 feet, making it suitable for larger gardens.
Its blossoms appear in early spring, providing a serene and elegant display. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
With its enchanting flowers and tranquil presence, Wada’s Memory Magnolia is perfect for Zen gardens and spaces seeking peace and beauty.
21. Galaxy Magnolia
The Galaxy Magnolia stands out with its large, deep pink-purple flowers that bloom in mid-spring. This deciduous tree can reach up to 30 feet.
Ideal for spacious gardens, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its upright growth habit makes it a striking focal point.
With its bold blooms and commanding presence, the Galaxy Magnolia adds grandeur and color to residential landscapes.
22. Pinkie Magnolia
The Pinkie Magnolia is a charming shrub with soft pink, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. This compact variety grows to about 10 feet.
Perfect for small gardens, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a delicate and elegant floral display.
With its gentle hues and manageable size, the Pinkie Magnolia adds a touch of romance and whimsy to cottage gardens and intimate spaces.
23. Alexandrina Magnolia
The Alexandrina Magnolia is admired for its large, pink and white saucer-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. This deciduous tree can grow up to 25 feet.
Its striking flowers and elegant form make it suitable for historical gardens and landscapes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
With its classic beauty and timeless appeal, the Alexandrina Magnolia is perfect for enhancing traditional and period gardens.
24. Teddy Bear Magnolia
The Teddy Bear Magnolia is known for its compact, pyramidal shape and fuzzy flower buds. This evergreen tree reaches heights of up to 20 feet.
Its glossy leaves and white flowers are both attractive and fragrant, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its unique texture adds interest to tropical gardens.
With its charming form and appealing flowers, the Teddy Bear Magnolia is a delightful choice for gardens seeking texture and fragrance.
25. Royal Star Magnolia
The Royal Star Magnolia is a deciduous shrub known for its star-shaped, white flowers that bloom in early spring. It grows to about 15 feet.
This cultivar is prized for its early blooms and cold hardiness, making it ideal for northern climates. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
With its bright blooms and resilience, the Royal Star Magnolia is perfect for adding elegance to gardens emerging from winter’s grip.