The Elizabeth magnolia (Magnolia x ‘Elizabeth’) is a deciduous hybrid magnolia prized for its early spring flowers and upright, pyramidal form When allowed to mature over 10-15 years, an Elizabeth magnolia transforms into a breathtaking small, flowering tree that becomes a focal point in any landscape
Overview of Elizabeth Magnolias
The Elizabeth magnolia is a cross between Magnolia acuminata and Magnolia denudata, developed by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in 1977 It was named after Elizabeth Scholtz, wife of the director at the time
Some key facts about Elizabeth magnolias:
- Grows 20-35 feet tall at maturity
- Blooms emerge early spring before leaves
- Flowers are pale yellow, 3-4 inches wide
- Flowers have a light, sweet fragrance
- Dark green leaves emerge after blooms fade
- Grows in USDA zones 4-9
- Reaches its full magnificence when mature
The Majestic Grandeur of a Full Grown Specimen
When allowed to reach maturity, an Elizabeth magnolia fills out to create an oval to pyramidal shape up to 20 feet wide. In spring, a mature specimen puts on a breathtaking display as the bare branches become laden with hundreds of fragrant yellow blooms contrasting against the clear blue spring skies.
The satiny pale yellow flowers appear along the branches, covering the tree from top to bottom. Blooming lasts 2-3 weeks, infusing the garden with a lovely lemon scent. As the blooms fade, large emerald green leaves unfurl to provide lush summertime foliage. The leaves turn golden yellow in autumn before dropping.
Caring for a Full Grown Elizabeth Magnolia
A mature Elizabeth magnolia is relatively easy to care for once established:
- Water deeply 1x/week during first few years, then reduce frequency as it becomes drought tolerant.
- Apply mulch around base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Prune only to remove dead/damaged branches as needed. Avoid heavy pruning.
- Fertilize in early spring with balanced organic fertilizer to support flowering and growth.
- Protect from harsh winds in winter. Stake trees less than 5 years old.
Where to Showcase a Full Grown Elizabeth Magnolia
A full grown Elizabeth magnolia deserves a place of honor in the landscape. Ideal locations include:
- As a front yard accent – allow space for the spreading canopy.
- Near a patio or deck – for up-close enjoyment of the blooms.
- In a median or on a corner – where its form can be viewed from all sides.
- In a parkway or wide boulevard – benefiting the whole neighborhood.
- Beside a pond or water feature – will be reflected beautifully on the water.
Benefits of an Elizabeth Magnolia at Maturity
Beyond beauty, a mature Elizabeth magnolia provides many benefits:
- Lovely yellow spring blooms to lift winter spirits
- Fragrant flowers to enjoy
- Shade for humans and habitat for birds
- Handsome architectural presence year-round
- Lower maintenance needs than when young
- Greater drought and wind tolerance
- Increased property value and curb appeal
Bring Majestic Elegance to Your Landscape
For an ornamental tree that only improves with age, it’s hard to beat the Elizabeth magnolia. If given the space to reach its full potential, this exceptional magnolia will reward you with unforgettable spring blooms and graceful splendor for decades to come. The queenly magnificence of a full grown Elizabeth magnolia is truly a sight to behold.
Elizabeth Magnolia Care Tips
- Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
- Only prune after flowering to avoid removing buds.
- Water regularly when young, ease off as matures.
- Protect from wind damage when young.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common magnolia planting and care mistakes:
- Planting too close to structures – magnolias need room to spread.
- Insufficient watering of young trees.
- Heavy pruning that removes flower buds.
- Allowing lawn fertilizer or grass to grow over roots.
- Failure to prune out crossing branches when young.
Bringing Out the Best in Your Elizabeth Magnolia
To encourage your Elizabeth magnolia to grow into a specimen showcase follow these tips:
- Plant in a spot with good air circulation and sunlight.
- Stake young trees to protect from wind damage.
- Water thoroughly when planted and during dry periods.
- Apply organic mulch around base to retain moisture.
- Prune only lightly to shape when young.
- Remove any suckers that may develop at the base.
With proper care and adequate space, your Elizabeth magnolia will flourish into a stately, flowering focal point that graces your landscape for years to come.
Magnolia sieboldii: Oyama Magnolia
Native to Japan – Sparkling white sweetly fragrant flowers w/ rose pink stamens bloom in May and June. Pink seed pods form in summer. Deciduous leaves turn yellow before falling in October. Grows in an upright vase shape to 10-15’ tall and wider. This Magnolia is perfectly suited to a woodland garden or planted as an under story tree with dappled light. All-day sun is OK, but will require extra water to keep leaves from burning. Zone 6.
Magnolia grandiflora: Southern Magnolia
Native to SE United States from North Carolina to Texas and the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana.
Huge white flowers with waxy thick petals bloom sporadically from May through summer. Their scent is strong, clean and fruity. Seed pods form following flowers. Large dark green glossy foliage has a fuzzy cinnamon color reverse. Leaves shed year-round, but the tree is never without foliage.
Full sun, Hardy Z7
Many cultivated varieties are currently in production.
- ‘Edith Bogue’ – 25 X 25
- ‘Little Gem’ – 25’ X 10-15’ with smaller leaves than other varieties.
- ‘St. Mary’ – 25 X 25
Reddish purple buds open to pink flowers, lighter on the inside than outside.
Flowers open over a long period of time. Deciduous.
Grows to 15’ tall x 15’ wide – likes sun to part shade, Zone 5.
Elizabeth magnolia in full bloom in the Boston Public Garden
FAQ
How big do Elizabeth magnolias get?
The Elizabeth Magnolia typically grows to be 20-35 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide.
What are the downsides of magnolia trees?
Cons of Magnolias
Shallow roots: Magnolias have shallow root systems, which can make them susceptible to damage from strong winds or nearby construction. Messy fallen leaves and flowers: Evergreen magnolias drop large glossy leaves year-round, while deciduous varieties shed both leaves and flowers in the fall.
What is the lifespan of an Elizabeth magnolia tree?
It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more. This tree does best in full sun to partial shade.
Where should you not plant a magnolia tree?
Another common mistake is planting them too close to other plants or garden structures—things like sheds, gazebos, and archways. True, some magnolia are versatile—they can grow as a hedge or be trained to climb up a lattice against a wall. But the majority of magnolia varieties prefer their space.
What is a Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’?
The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ is a captivating deciduous tree with showstopping primrose yellow flowers that illuminate the landscape in early to mid-spring.
Which magnolia tree is best?
Winner of multiple awards, Elizabeth is the cream of the crop when it comes to yellow-flowered magnolias. This large pyramidal tree is a show stopper in full bloom, with it’s masses of cup shaped flowers on display for up to 4 weeks! This tree will be the glory of your garden either as a single stem specimen tree or a multi-stemmed wonder.
Are Elizabeth magnolia trees hardy?
This tree will be the glory of your garden either as a single stem specimen tree or a multi-stemmed wonder. Elizabeth magnolia grows best in consistently moist, but well drained soils with a slightly acidic pH. While hardy and well adapted, this tree is susceptible to cold, dry, winds and late frosts that will damage its blooms.
What are the best yellow-flowered magnolias?
Regarded as one of the best yellow-flowered Magnolias, award-winning Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ is a deciduous pyramidal tree of breathtaking beauty when in full bloom. Masses of large, cup-shaped, primrose yellow flowers, 8 in. across (20 cm), appear in early to mid-spring at the twig tips as the new leaves begin to unfurl.
Can Elizabeth Magnolia grow in cold weather?
Elizabeth magnolia grows best in consistently moist, but well drained soils with a slightly acidic pH. While hardy and well adapted, this tree is susceptible to cold, dry, winds and late frosts that will damage its blooms. Is the Elizabeth magnolia fragrant? No, like most Magnolias, this is not a fragrant flower.
What is a Magnolia in Bloom?
A Magnolia in bloom will bring your neighbors around to admire and envy your beautiful flowering tree. These trees are available in a variety of mature sizes, and for smaller gardens a medium size tree, like the Jane Magnolia, is an excellent choice. It will fit into a smaller space, but is large enough to have a real impact when flowering.