Finding the Perfect 10 ft Magnolia Tree for Your Yard

Magnolia trees are beloved for their beautiful fragrant blooms and stately appearance. With striking pink or white flowers that emerge in spring and last through summer, magnolias make a stunning focal point in any yard. If you’re looking for a magnolia with an instant impact a 10 ft magnolia is a great choice. A mature tree of this size will offer years of enjoyment without having to wait for a small sapling to fill in.

When shopping for a 10 ft magnolia, you’ll first want to decide which type best suits your needs Here are some of the most popular options for larger magnolias

Southern Magnolia

Southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) are arguably the quintessential magnolia tree. These handsome trees feature enormous white summer blooms with a distinct lemony fragrance. Glossy green leaves provide year-round color. Southern magnolias can grow quite large, up to 80 feet tall and do best in zones 7-9. A 10 ft southern magnolia would make a wonderful focal point in the right climate.

Some recommended southern magnolia varieties in a 10 ft size include:

• D.D. Blanchard – Upright growth habit with abundant flowers
• Kay Parris – Compact growth habit, ideal for smaller spaces
• Alta – Cold hardy and compact, a great choice for northern gardens

Star Magnolia

Star magnolias (Magnolia stellata) showcase a stunning floral display in spring before the leaves emerge. The flowers feature long, narrow petals that give a star-like appearance. These small, multi-branched trees max out around 20 feet tall and thrive in zones 5-9. A 10 ft star magnolia would make a gorgeous specimen.

Some excellent star magnolia varieties to consider are:

• Royal Star – Prolific bloomer with vibrant pink flowers
• Centennial – White blooms with a hint of pink
• Jane – Abundant large, soft pink blooms

Sweetbay Magnolia

Sweetbay magnolias (Magnolia virginiana) are prized for their sweetly scented white summer flowers and handsome gray-green foliage. They remain smaller than southern magnolias, maturing at around 20-30 feet. Sweetbays flourish in zones 5-9. A 10 ft sweetbay would be ideal for a partially shaded spot.

Some recommended sweetbay varieties include:

• Moonglow – Dense growth habit with prolific flowering
• Evergreen Sweetbay – Retains leaves in winter
• Kay Nelson – Compact variety, only reaches 10 feet tall

Where to Buy a 10 ft Magnolia

While you may occasionally find 10 ft magnolias for sale at local nurseries, online retailers usually offer the best selection. Buying online allows you to have the magnolia professionally planted once it arrives.

Some recommended online sources for 10 ft magnolias include:

• Moon’s Tree Farm – Family-owned nursery offering several 10 ft magnolia varieties
• The Home Depot – Large retailer with nationwide delivery of some 10 ft magnolias
• Brighter Blooms – Online nursery with affordable prices on smaller 10 ft magnolias
• Nature Hills Nursery – High quality selection of container-grown magnolias up to 10 ft

What to Expect When Buying a 10 ft Magnolia

Purchasing a mature 10 ft magnolia tree may seem daunting, but the process is quite straightforward when you buy from a reputable source. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

• Availability – Inventory of larger trees is more limited than smaller sizes, so variety may be restricted based on the grower. Check availability before ordering.

• Pricing – Expect to pay $700 – $1,500 for a high quality 10 ft magnolia, depending on the specific variety.

• Delivery – The tree will ship at the proper planting time (typically spring or fall) for your region.

• Planting – Opt for professional planting, which is usually included in the price. Proper planting is crucial for the magnolia’s success.

• Care – Water deeply after planting and monitor soil moisture. Staking may be needed until established. Apply mulch and fertilize annually.

Choosing the Right Spot

When planting a 10 ft magnolia, it’s important to select the right location in your yard. Consider the following:

• Sunlight – Most magnolias need full sun to thrive. Southern magnolias can tolerate partial shade.

• Soil – Well-draining soil is essential. Add organic matter if needed to improve drainage.

• Space – Check the expected mature size and allow enough room for the canopy to spread.

• Access – Ensure you have room for equipment to deliver and plant the tree.

Take the time to prepare the planting area in advance for your new 10 ft magnolia. This will set the tree up for success. With proper care and favorable growing conditions, you’ll be rewarded with an outstanding focal point for years to come.

A 15-gallon magnolia tree, such as the Little Gem variety, is typically around 6-8 feet tall when purchased. These trees can grow to a mature height of 20-25 feet and a width of 10-15 feet according to Sod Depot.