Elevate your landscape with the Southern Magnolia Edith Bogue , a timeless beauty that thrives for generations!
The Edith Bogue Magnolia is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its incredibly large, fragrant white blooms and handsome evergreen foliage. This magnificent magnolia is considered one of the hardiest cultivars, making it an excellent choice even for cooler climates. When it comes to growth rate, the Edith Bogue grows at a moderate pace under ideal conditions.
The Edith Bogue Magnolia, also known as Magnolia grandiflora ‘Edith Bogue’, is a broad, pyramidal evergreen tree that can reach mature heights of 50 feet with a spread of around 20 feet. This magnolia is best known for its enormous, fragrant white flowers that bloom prolifically in spring and early summer. The blossoms can reach up to one foot in diameter!
The dark green foliage provides great contrast against the creamy white blooms The large glossy leaves have rusty-bronze undersides that add beautiful warm tones in the fall and winter, The tree also produces eye-catching red seed pods in autumn that attract songbirds
Beyond its ornate flowers and foliage, the Edith Bogue Magnolia has an upright, conical form that makes a striking focal point in the landscape. It’s ideal for accenting, providing shade, attracting pollinators and bringing four-season interest to gardens.
The Moderate Yet Rewarding Growth Rate of Edith Bogue Magnolias
The Edith Bogue Magnolia is considered a fast-growing variety in ideal conditions. However, its growth rate is more accurately described as moderate.
On average, the Edith Bogue Magnolia grows about 2 feet per year when planted in the right environment. This equals a rate of around 24 inches of new growth annually. Under perfect circumstances, the tree may reach upwards of 3 feet per year. However, a moderate growth pace of 2 feet is a more realistic expectation in most home landscapes.
There are several factors that affect the growth rate of Edith Bogue Magnolias:
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Soil Conditions: Edith Bogue Magnolias prefer rich, acidic, evenly moist soil. Insufficient moisture causes slower growth. Extremely sandy or clay-heavy soil also hampers the growth rate. Adding organic compost improves moisture retention and nutrients for better growth.
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Sun Exposure: The Edith Bogue grows best in full sun to partial shade. Too much shade will result in slower growth. Make sure to pick a location with at least 6 hours of direct sun. Morning sun is ideal.
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Climate and Hardiness Zone: The Edith Bogue Magnolia thrives in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-9. It’s cold hardy to around -10°F once established. Insufficient warm temperatures in northern zones can inhibit fast growth.
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Age of Tree: Younger magnolias tend to grow faster and then slow down as they mature. Aim for around 2 feet of growth for trees under 10 years old. Large, mature trees over 20 years old may only grow 1 foot per year.
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Pruning and Maintenance: Prune only after flowering since the Edith Bogue blooms on old wood. Proper pruning encourages a healthy framework and open form for better growth. Fertilize in early spring and control pests/diseases as needed.
With the right care, Edith Bogue Magnolias can maintain a 2 foot per year growth rate for the first decade. After that, expect growth to stabilize at 1-2 feet annually. Take steps to provide optimal growing conditions for your climate zone to achieve the fastest growth possible.
Achieving an Ideal Growth Pace in Your Landscape
The gloriously huge white blooms on the Edith Bogue Magnolia make it well worth finding a spot in your landscape for this outstanding magnolia. Expect a moderate growth rate of around 2 feet per year when provided with suitable growing conditions. With proper care and patience, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent specimen tree graced with enormous, fragrant blooms to enjoy for decades to come.
Tips for Optimizing the Growth Rate of Edith Bogue Magnolias
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Edith Bogue Magnolia reaches its full growing potential:
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Plant in spring once all danger of frost has passed. This gives the tree the entire growing season to establish roots.
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Water deeply and regularly during the first two years to promote strong early growth.
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Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Replenish as needed.
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Fertilize in early spring with a formulation for acid-loving plants like Holly-Tone. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
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Provide protection from harsh winds and direct afternoon sun which can damage leaves.
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Prune selectively in summer after flowering to shape the canopy and allow air circulation.
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Monitor for signs of disease and insect infestations. Treat promptly to avoid stunted growth.
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Start training branches from an early age to encourage proper form and structure as the tree matures.
Key Facts About the Edith Bogue Magnolia
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Grows in USDA zones 5-9
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Mature height of 40-60 feet
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Spread of 20-30 feet
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Large, fragrant white flowers up to 12 inches wide
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Blooms in spring and early summer
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Dark green leathery leaves with rust-colored undersides
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Prefers moist, acidic, organic soil
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Moderate growth rate of 2 feet per year
With striking flowers, handsome foliage, and a pyramidal form, the Edith Bogue Magnolia is a magnificent choice for gardens. Although not the fastest growing, its moderate growth rate of 2 feet annually rewards those with patience. Providing optimal soil, sunlight, and care will ensure your Edith Bogue reaches its full potential. The payoff will be phenomenal blooms and four-season interest from this exceptional magnolia variety.
Vegetative Growth Phase
In the vegetative growth phase, the tree exhibits a moderate growth rate. Expect significant growth during the first few years as it establishes itself.
Depth and Spread
The roots can reach depths of 3-4 feet, allowing the tree to anchor itself firmly. They also spread out 2-3 times the width of the canopy, ensuring the tree has ample access to water and nutrients.
Broadleaf Evegreen: Southern Magnolia “edith bogue”
FAQ
How big do Edith Bogue magnolias get?
Edith Bogue Magnolia will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet.
How fast do magnolia trees grow fast?
Most magnolia trees grow at a moderate rate of 1–2 feet per year. However, growth can vary based on the variety and growing conditions.
Is Edith Bogue magnolia cold tolerant?
Noted for its superior cold hardiness to USDA Zone 6a, ‘Edith Bogue’ is a magnificent evergreen Southern Magnolia cultivar that northerners can enjoy!
What is the annual growth rate of a magnolia tree?
It can grow 40 to 50 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide. Growth Rate: This tree grows at a moderate rate (1 to 1½ feet per year). Ornamental Features: The flowers are small (2- to 3-inches in diameter), creamy white and lemon-scented. They bloom in May and June; some bloom through September.
What are the downsides of magnolia trees?
- Large size: Some magnolia varieties can grow quite large, so ensure you have ample space to accommodate them at maturity.
- Shallow roots: Magnolias have shallow root systems, which can make them susceptible to damage from strong winds or nearby construction.
Where should you not plant a magnolia tree?
One thing to note about Magnolias in particular is that their root system can be extremely strong and large. If planted too close to your house or fence, they can be destructive! Because of this, we made sure to plant them about 6′ away from the fence line, and they’re nowhere near the house.
How tall does an Edith Bogue Magnolia grow?
An Edith Bogue Magnolia will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate and can be expected to live for 80 years or more.
Does Edith Bogue grow well?
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Edith Bogue’: A fast-growing broadleaf evergreen tree with white and cream flowers in summer and fall. It contributes glossy texture to the garden. To grow well, it prefers sun – mostly shade and regular water. Adaptable to various soil conditions. Grows happily in well-drained, rich and acidic soil.
How big does Edith Bogue grow?
‘Edith Bogue’ is a cultivar that is noted for its excellent winter hardiness. Over time, this cultivar will grow to 60’ by 30’ wide. Lemon-scented, white flowers (to 12” diameter) bloom in early summer. The original seedling of this tree was purchased in 1917 from a nursery in Florida by Edith Bogue of Montclair, New Jersey.
Are Edith Bogue plants winter hardy?
Plants may become somewhat deciduous in hard winters. Unlike some M. grandiflora cultivars, ‘Edith Bogue’ is considered to be winter hardy to the St. Louis area. It may become somewhat deciduous in hard winters and should be sited in sheltered locations to provide additional winter protection.
What genus is Edith Bogue?
Genus name honors Pierre Magnol, French botanist (1638-1715). Specific epithet is from Latin meaning large flowers. ‘Edith Bogue’ is a cultivar that is noted for its excellent winter hardiness. Over time, this cultivar will grow to 60’ by 30’ wide. Lemon-scented, white flowers (to 12” diameter) bloom in early summer.
What is a Magnolia grandiflora?
Magnolia grandiflora is a broadleaf evergreen tree that is noted for its attractive dark green leaves and its large, extremely fragrant flowers. It typically grows to 60-80’ tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown. This is a magnificent tree of the South.