Caring for Magnolia Trees

Magnolias are not hard to grow, and they are somewhat unique among flowering trees and shrubs in their tolerance for shady conditions. But if you are planning to plant them in your yard, magnolia trees grow best in soil that has good drainage. These plants generally do not do well with wet feet in boggy soil. A spring feeding of slow-release fertilizer is best to help magnolia trees flourish. Here are the 12 most common species to help you identify the types of magnolia trees, along with basic tips on how to grow them.

Native Area: JapanUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9Height: Up to 30 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: Southeastern U.S., MexicoUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8Height: 30 to 40 feet; occasionally to 60 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: FloridaUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9Height: Up to 30 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: Appalachian regions of U.S., southern OntarioUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8Height: 60 to 80 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: Southwest ChinaUSDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 10Height: 8 to 12 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Kobus magnolia is one of the parent species (Stella magnolia is the other) that together produce the Loebner magnolia.

Native Area: Japan, KoreaUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8Height: 25 to 50 feet, occasionally 75 feet with very old treesSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: hybrid plant; no natural rangeUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9Height: 20 to 30 feet; occasionally as tall as 60 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: hybrid plant; no natural rangeUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9Height: 20 to 25 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: Southeastern U.S.USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 9Height: 60 to 80 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: JapanUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8Height: 15 to 20 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: Eastern U.S.USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 10Height: 10 to 35 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: Eastern North AmericaUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8Height: 15 to 30 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade