January Tree of the Month-Southern magnolia
When it’s below zero, snowing, sleeting, and just plain miserable outdoors, it might help to conjure visions of the deep South. Warm temps and even warmer Southern Charm are one thing the southern states are known for but for plant geeks, Southern magnolias come to mind as much as sweet tea on a porch swing for others.
In the South, Magnolia grandiflora is queen and aptly named. The specific epithet in the botanical name translates to “Large flower”. The blooms are, indeed, grand with their clean, fresh scent and impressive size. (up to 12”) Unlike the saucer or star magnolias that bloom all at once in early spring over the entire canopy before leaves appear, Southern magnolias begin blooming in mid-late spring with additional sporadic blooms throughout the summer. The pure white flowers contrast beautifully with the dark, glossy leaves, giving a bold, dramatic look and texture compared to other deciduous magnolias.
Magnolia fossil records date back 60 million years and are believed to have been pollinated by beetles. The incredible flowers haven’t been admired and practically worshiped for quite that long, but the name is used repeatedly by everyone from artists to businesses, to placenames, movies, and books; all wanting to be associated with the elegance and beauty that magnolias possess.
Southern mags typically have a pyramidal shape that rounds out as the tree matures. They prefer full sun to part shade and grow from 60-80 feet high with a 20 to 30-foot span…if they survive long enough. St. Louis is on the hardiness edge for Southern mags (zone 7-9), so a bit of protection is appreciated, especially from winter winds. If the winter is too harsh, the trees can lose leaves and branches, becoming unsightly. They bounce back in spring with new leaves in most cases, but it’s something to keep in mind if you want one for curb appeal in front of your home. The transition stage before the replacement leaves emerge can be long and ugly.
M. grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ (see above photo) is a cultivar that is hardier than the straight species and readily available at local nurseries. The underside of ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ leaves wear a velvety brown pubescent that contrasts nicely with the glossy topsides.
What I love about this plant;
-It’s evergreen. The thick, leathery, evergreen leaves are highly glossy and stand out in the landscape year-round with a bold texture.
-The foliage is great used in floral arrangements indoors or out.
-The INCREDIBLY fragrant and beautiful flowers!
-no major pests or diseases.
-Nice alternative for screening or privacy if space is provided.
What’s not so great;
-The size can overtake a small or even average yard-give it space.
-The large, cone-like seed pods can be messy and are not always mower-friendly.
-St. Louis is on the edge of hardiness for Southern Magnolia, which is considered zone 7-9 in its native Southern US. Try the hardier ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ cultivar to be safe or position it with some protection. During a harsh winter, be prepared for an unsightly (and messy) transition phase while the tree recovers and regrows new foliage.
Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2024, All rights reserved.
