Magnolia trees hold a special place in many gardens. Their elegant blooms and handsome foliage make them prized specimens. Of all the magnolia varieties, those with pink and white blooms are some of the most beloved. When they burst into an abundance of fragrant blossoms in spring, they take the breath away.
If you’re considering adding a pink and white magnolia to your yard you’re in for a real treat. These stunning trees provide an eye-catching pop of color before the leaves emerge. Plus many have a lovely, sweet fragrance. They make exceptional focal points and bring glamorous Southern charm.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top pink and white magnolia trees to grow. We’ll look at their key features, bloom times, sizes, and care. Read on to find the perfect one for your landscape.
Overview of Pink and White Magnolia Trees
Pink and white magnolias bloom profusely in early to mid spring in most climates. The large showy blossoms emerge from plump, purple-pink buds, revealing shades of blush pink creamy white, or both.
Many have an intoxicating lemon-rose fragrance that perfumes the garden. The flowers tend to last up to two weeks sometimes longer. Once established a mature tree can produce hundreds of blooms.
In addition to the spring show, magnolias offer handsome foliage. Most have large, glossy green leaves that provide dappled shade in summer. Some varieties are evergreen in mild climates. Others drop their leaves in fall to unveil a beautiful branched structure.
Pink and white magnolias range in size from small shrubs to towering shade trees. With so many choices, there’s one suitable for yards both big and small. They make opulent accents along walkways and entries. Group multiples together for a striking spring display.
Popular Types of Pink and White Magnolias
Many gorgeous pink and white magnolia varieties exist. Here are some of the most popular:
Saucer Magnolia
Saucer magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana) is a classic. It boasts huge 8-10 inch blooms with white interiors and bright pink exteriors, resembling porcelain saucers. This small tree blooms abundantly in early spring.
Star Magnolia
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a shrubby type with masses of slender-petaled white blooms. It has a delicate, starry appearance and blooms very early.
Jane Magnolia
Jane magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’) is prized for its gorgeous pink double blossoms that look like Mini roses. It flowers profusely in early spring.
Pinkie Magnolia
Pinkie magnolia (Magnolia ‘Pinkie’) is a compact variety with vibrant pink blooms in late spring. Its small size makes it ideal for containers.
Betty Magnolia
Betty magnolia (Magnolia ‘Betty’) has large, fragrant reddish buds opening to pink tulips. It blooms again and again from mid spring into summer.
Alexandrina Magnolia
Alexandrina magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’) has huge, 10 inch, lemon-scented blooms in light pink. It’s a fast grower perfect for screening.
As you can see, there are many exquisite options to give your yard a pink magnolia pop. Selecting the right one depends on your climate, space, and personal tastes.
How to Grow Pink and White Magnolias
While easy to grow, magnolias do require some specific care. Follow these tips for success:
Site: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Avoid soggy locations.
Planting: Dig a wide hole no deeper than the root ball. Keep the top at ground level. Space 10-20 feet apart depending on mature size.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and provide 1-2 inches weekly the first year. Established trees need less frequent deep watering.
Fertilizer: Feed in early spring with an organic or slow-release fertilizer. This encourages blooms.
Pruning: Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead wood. Avoid heavy pruning which reduces blooms.
Pests & Diseases: Watch for scale, leaf spots, and cankers. Improve air circulation and prune affected branches.
With proper placement and care, magnolias thrive for decades, gracing generations with their beauty.
Fantastic Focal Points for the Landscape
Pink and white magnolias make showstopping focal points in any garden. Place one where you can admire the blooms from indoor and outdoor living areas. Use them to anchor corners or centerpieces in landscape beds.
Group multiples along a driveway or property line for a spectacular spring display. They also make opulent accents by entries and patios. Even small yards can grow potted magnolias.
If you have the space, go big with a statement tree like Saucer or Alexandrina magnolia. Their huge blooms will take your breath away. For smaller spaces, choose petite varieties like Star or Pinkie.
No matter which you choose, pink and white magnolias usher in spring in the most glamorous way. If you don’t already have one of these classic beauties, now is the time! They will grace your garden with elegance for generations to come.
Other Ornamental Features
While most prized for their blossoms, magnolias have year-round appeal. Here are some other standout features:
Handsome foliage – The large, shiny leaves cast dappled shade in summer. Evergreen types like Southern magnolia keep their leaves year-round.
Beautiful branching – Deciduous varieties reveal a lovely bare branch structure in winter. The open shape shows off blooms in spring.
Interesting seed pods – After flowering, cone-like pods emerge. These orange seed structures inspire the cucumber tree nickname.
Year-round interest – Between foliage, blooms, branching, and seed pods, magnolias offer seasonal beauty from spring to winter.
Choosing the Right Magnolia
With hundreds of magnolia varieties, choosing the right one takes some consideration:
Type – Select from evergreen vs. deciduous, shrub vs. tree, and specific varieties that fit your location.
Mature size – Pay attention to how big the tree will ultimately get, spacing accordingly.
Bloom time – Early, mid or late season? Late bloomers avoid frost damage.
Hardiness – Ensure the plant is suited for your USDA zone. Most tolerate zones 5-9.
Soil & light – Well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade are ideal for most.
Fragrance – Many boast lovely rose-lemon scents. Make sure to select a fragrant one if desired.
By weighing these factors, you can find your perfect pink or white magnolia companion. A specialist nursery can offer guidance to match you with the right variety.
Magnolia Companion Plants
Magnolias make stunning focal points on their own. But companion plants can provide additional interest:
Spring bulbs – Flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths complement magnolia blooms. Plant them around the base.
Evergreen shrubs – Rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias make excellent magnolia neighbors. They also bloom in spring.
Perennials & annuals – Borders of lavender, foxglove, poppies, and pansies add color when the magnolia finishes flowering.
Groundcovers – Sweet woodruff, epimediums, and ivy create lovely carpets beneath the magnolia’s canopy.
Trees & shrubs – Japanese maples, dogwoods, lilacs, and other ornamentals extend seasonal interest in the area around magnolias.
Blend these plants at the magnolia’s feet to create vibrant garden vignettes. You’ll have a flower-filled landscape to enjoy from spring until frost.
Common Problems With Magnolias
When properly sited and cared for, magnolias are fairly trouble free. However, here are some potential problems to watch for:
-
Leaf spots – Bacterial and fungal diseases cause spotting/blotching. Improve air circulation and remove affected leaves.
-
Scale insects – Waxy scale colonies can infect branches. Prune out heavily infested parts and treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
-
Cankers – Cankers form sunken lesions on branches and trunks. Cut out the cankered areas back to healthy wood. Disinfect tools after each cut.
-
Yellowing leaves – This can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
-
Few/no blooms – Insufficient sunlight, overpruning, overfertilizing, and other cultural issues can limit flowering.
Catch problems early and correct conditions to keep your magnolia thriving for years of beauty. Your efforts will be rewarded in the spring!
Enjoy Enduring Charm
For Southern gardeners, magnolias are a heritage plant gracing homesteads and public squares for generations. Even in Northern climates, they bring graceful beauty to gardens.
Choose your magnolia with care and it will thrive for decades, even lifetimes in some cases. The enchanting blooms herald the return of spring year after year.
If you find your perfect spot and give your magnolia attentive care while young, it will repay you with easy elegance as it matures. The belle of the ball has arrived – invite a beautiful magnolia into your landscape this season!
Get an extra 20% off everything with code:
- Featured
- Best selling
- Alphabetically, A-Z
- Alphabetically, Z-A
- Price, low to high
- Price, high to low
- Date, old to new
- Date, new to old
Compare
Magnolia’s Ornamental Features Span the Seasons
Youll love seeing the cute orange seedpods develop, which give the Magnolia tree its nickname of cucumber tree. Now, dont try to eat these so-called cucumbers. Leave them for your local songbirds to enjoy.
Top 5 Best Magnolias for Cold Climates | NatureHills.com
FAQ
What are the pink magnolia trees called?
Alexandrina is a saucer magnolia variety with large (6”-10” wide), fragrant, light pink blooms. The buds appear in late winter in pale purple, but open to a much softer shade of blush pink fading to white at the edges. The fragrance and presence of plentiful pollen make these a wonderful feast for pollinators.
What are the disadvantages of a magnolia tree?
-
TaskRabbithttps://www.taskrabbit.comMagnolia Tree Care: Planting, Growing, and Nurturing GuideJun 25, 2024 — Cons of Magnolias Shallow roots: Magnolias have shallow root systems, which can make them susceptible to damage from strong winds or nearby construc…
-
Plantation Tree Companyhttps://www.plantationtrees.comClaudia Wannamaker Southern Magnolia – FAQs, Pros And ConsNov 13, 2023 — Cons of Southern Magnolias 1. Size: Southern Magnolias are large trees that may not be suitable for small yards or confined spaces. Their size can b…
-
Gardening Know Howhttps://www.gardeningknowhow.comMagnolia Tree Roots: Tips On Planting Magnolias Near House | Gardening Know How
How fast do pink magnolia trees grow?
-
Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana):This popular pink magnolia variety is known for its fast growth, with some trees adding up to 2 feet per year, says Weaver Family Farms Nursery. It can grow to 20-30 feet tall with a 25-foot spread, according to Green Thumbs Garden.
-
Other pink magnolias:Some pink magnolia varieties, like Bracken’s Brown Beauty, are known for their fast growth, adding 1-2 feet per year.
-
Factors affecting growth:Magnolia growth can be influenced by factors such as the specific variety, soil conditions, watering, sunlight, and even microclimates, notes a Reddit thread on gardening.
Why not to plant a magnolia tree?
-
Root Damage:Magnolia roots grow horizontally, not vertically, and can extend far beyond the tree’s canopy. This can lead to issues like cracked sidewalks, damaged foundations, and even interference with underground pipes.
-
Messy Litter:Evergreen magnolias drop large leaves year-round, while deciduous varieties shed leaves and flowers in the fall. This litter can be a nuisance to clean up, especially near patios, pools, or walkways.
-
Space Requirements:Magnolias need a lot of space to grow, potentially interfering with other trees or structures if planted too close. They can also block sunlight if planted too close to a house, especially evergreen varieties that retain their leaves year-round.
-
Fragrance:While the scent of magnolia blossoms is pleasant, it can be overpowering if the tree is planted too close to a porch or sitting area, according to Plant Me Green.
-
Wind Sensitivity:Magnolias have shallow root systems, making them susceptible to wind damage, especially when young.
-
Invasive Potential:Some sources mention that magnolia trees can be considered invasive, particularly in certain regions, as their seeds can spread and outcompete native understory plants. However, this is a point of contention, with some sources disagreeing with this assessment, as discussed in a Reddit thread.
Do magnolia trees bloom in pink?
Magnolia trees are best known for the large, beautiful white flowers they produce, but if you’re looking to add a little more color to your landscape, there are a lot of magnolia varieties which bloom in shades of pink. Here we look at some of the most popular pink flowering varieties of magnolia tree.
What color are magnolia flowers?
The most common color of magnolia flowers is white or pink. However, magnolia trees also produce flowers that are purple, green, or even yellow. Each magnolia variety has its own distinctive bloom that helps with tree identification. Magnolia flowers are pollinated by beetles, a relationship that dates back to ancient times.
What is a pink magnolia tree?
Of course it is their flowers that are the chief glory of pink magnolia trees. They range in tone, and some of the most striking are bicolored varieties, with the outside of the flowers darker than the inside. There are magnolias in just about every shade of pink you can imagine, which makes them one of the best flowering trees.
What is the darkest pink flowering Magnolia?
This is one of the darkest pink flowering varieties of magnolia, with petals that are consistently dark pink-red on both the inside and outside of the flowers. The Magnolia ‘Vulcan’ can be grown as a small tree or large shrub and features huge leaves in a medium shade of green.
What does a magnolia tree look like?
Magnolia trees are generally known for having large, leathery leaves and impressive white or pink flowers that appear very early in spring—often before the leaves even emerge. Flowering magnolias are known to be especially fragrant. Here are the most common species to help you identify the types of magnolia trees and basic tips on how to grow them.
How many flowers does a pink magnolia tree have?
Flowers on magnolia trees range from just an inch or two across to 12in (30cm) or more and with anything from six petals to forty. Of course it is their flowers that are the chief glory of pink magnolia trees. They range in tone, and some of the most striking are bicolored varieties, with the outside of the flowers darker than the inside.