Magnolia trees are cherished for their beautiful fragrant blooms and striking form. But to ensure your magnolias thrive, proper spacing when planting is crucial. This guide will explore optimal distances for magnolia trees based on variety along with other factors impacting layout decisions.
Overview of Magnolia Tree Types
There are over 200 magnolia species ranging significantly in mature size and growth habits. The most popular types planted in home landscapes include:
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Star Magnolia: A small, multi-stemmed deciduous tree growing 15-20 feet tall. Features star-shaped, fragrant white blooms in spring.
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Saucer Magnolia: A small to medium deciduous tree reaching 20-30 feet. Prized for its large, cup-shaped blooms in shades of pink, white or purple.
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Southern Magnolia An evergreen magnolia that can reach 60-80 feet tall at maturity. Known for its huge fragrant white blooms and glossy foliage.
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Sweetbay Magnolia A small, compact evergreen tree typically under 30 feet tall. Bears cup-shaped lemon-scented white flowers in late spring.
Key Factors Influencing Magnolia Spacing
When determining magnolia tree spacing, consider the following key factors:
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Mature Size Allow enough space for magnolias to reach their full size. Smaller varieties need 10-15 feet, while larger types require 20-40 feet
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Sunlight Needs: Magnolias thrive in full sun. Ensure each tree has adequate sun exposure by adjusting spacing in shaded areas.
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Soil Quality: Rich, well-draining soil allows closer spacing, while nutrient-poor soil needs wider spacing to reduce competition.
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Air Circulation: Leave enough room between magnolias for airflow, which promotes health. Dense planting increases disease risk.
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Design Intent: Wider spacing creates a park-like effect, while tighter spacing makes a lush, full look.
Recommended Distances for Planting Magnolia Trees
Based on magnolia type, soil conditions, and other factors, follow these spacing guidelines:
Star Magnolia
- Tight Spacing: 10 feet apart
- Moderate Spacing: 12-15 feet apart
- Wide Spacing: 15-20 feet apart
Star magnolias are small, multi-trunk trees ideal for specimen planting or massing in landscapes. Give them at least 10 feet between trees if planting in rich soil and full sun. Increase to 15 feet for average conditions, or 20 feet for poor soil or partial shade.
Saucer Magnolia
- Tight Spacing: 15 feet
- Moderate Spacing: 20 feet
- Wide Spacing: 25-30 feet
The saucer magnolia’s shapely form works well showcased alone or planted in groupings. Allow 15 feet between trees in ideal conditions. For average soil or partial shade, space 20 feet apart. In poorer soils, go up to 30 feet between trees.
Southern Magnolia
- Tight Spacing: 30 feet
- Moderate Spacing: 35-40 feet
- Wide Spacing: 45-50 feet
As the largest magnolia variety, Southern magnolias need room to reach their full 60-80 foot height and spread. Use 30 foot spacing for rich soil and full sun exposure. Increase to 50 feet for poorer soils or limited sunlight.
Sweetbay Magnolia
- Tight Spacing: 10-15 feet
- Moderate Spacing: 15-20 feet
- Wide Spacing: 20-25 feet
The compact sweetbay magnolia grows nicely in tighter groupings with 10-15 feet between trees in ideal conditions. Bump spacing up to 20 feet for average soil and sunlight. In shadier spots, allow 25 feet between trees.
Common Spacing Mistakes To Avoid
When laying out your magnolia landscape, sidestep these common planting errors:
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Planting too close together – This restricts growth and creates competition.
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Not considering soil quality – Poor soil necessitates wider spacing.
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Ignoring sunlight levels – Adjust spacing to maximize light exposure.
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Planting in rows too close together – Allow 15-20 feet between rows.
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Not visualizing mature size – Leave room for trees to reach full height/spread.
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Assuming uniform conditions – Vary spacing as soil, light, etc change in your yard.
Design Tips for an Eye-Catching Magnolia Landscape
Follow these design tips to create a beautiful magnolia display:
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Repeat a single variety for cohesive look with tight, moderate or wide spacing.
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Blend magnolia types for contrasting forms, foliage and blooms.
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Frame an entryway or accent the house by planting two identical magnolias symmetrically.
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Allow enough space to highlight magnolias as specimen trees.
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Underplant with shade-loving bulbs like trilliums or woodland wildflowers.
Properly spaced magnolias make a striking statement and become focal points in any landscape. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a palette of shapes and sizes that brings out the best in these remarkable trees.
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Cultivar |
Mature Height |
Mature Width |
Magnolia Flower Color |
Evergreen or Deciduous? |
Magnolia Tree Bloom Period |
Sunlight Requirements |
Magnolia Tree Growth Rate |
USDA Zone |
Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AlexandrinaMagnolia x soulangiana ‘Alexandrina’ |
20-25 ft. | 20-25 ft. | Purple-Pink | Deciduous | Mid to Late Spring-Summer | Full Sun | Moderate | Showy flowers, Fragrant, Low maintenance, Best grown in moist, organically rich, acidic, well-drained soil | |
AnnMagnolia x ‘Ann’ |
10-15 ft. | 8-10 ft. | Pink-Purple | Deciduous | Late Spring-Summer | Full Sun/Partial Shade | Slow | Showy flowers, Fragrant, Low maintenance, Best grown in moist, organically rich, acidic, well-drained soil | |
Bracken’s Brown BeautyMagnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ |
30-40 ft. | 15-25 ft. | White | Evergreen | Late Spring-Summer | Full Sun/Partial Shade | Slow | Large white flowers, Fragrant, Cold hardy, Tolerates very wet areas | |
D.D. BlanchardMagnolia grandiflora ‘D.D. Blanchard’ |
50 ft. | 25-30 ft. | White | Evergreen | Late Spring-Summer | Full Sun | Slow | Large, fragrant blooms, Attractive foliage, Deer resistant, Best grown in moist, organically rich, acidic, well-drained soil | |
Little GemMagnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ |
20-25 ft. | 10-15 ft. | White | Evergreen | Summer | Full Sun/Partial Shade | Slow to medium rate | Fragrant, Attractive foliage, Compact size, Generally intolerant to soil extremes |
Where to Plant a Magnolia Tree
- The large green leaves of many species are damaged by strong wind;
- Magnolia limbs tend to be brittle; and
- The flowering buds of those that bloom on naked branches before the leaves unfold are susceptible to wind burn and damage.
Avoid These 5 Five Mistakes When Growing and Planting Magnolias
FAQ
How close together can you plant magnolia trees?
Proper magnolia spacing is also important to avoid overcrowding and ensure the most growth. Most magnolia trees grow to be about ten to fifteen feet in width, so planting them fifteen to twenty feet apart from each other allows for the most success.
How much space does a magnolia tree need?
Magnolia trees need a considerable amount of space, varying based on the specific variety. Some species can grow very large, requiring 20 feet or more of space around them. Others, like the Little Gem magnolia, are smaller and can thrive with about 10-15 feet of clearance.
What month is best to plant a magnolia tree?
Deciduous magnolias (those that drop their leaves in fall) are best planted when dormant, typically in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring.
What are the disadvantages of a magnolia tree?
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.
When should you plant a magnolia tree?
When shopping, choose magnolias based on flowering time, hardiness zone, color, and mature size. Magnolias can be planted in spring or fall. If planting in autumn, get the tree in the ground 4-6 weeks before the first frost to allow time to grow new roots. Bare root stock received in spring should be planted as soon as received.
How far apart should a star magnolia be planted?
Based on magnolia type, soil conditions, and other factors, follow these spacing guidelines: Star magnolias are small, multi-trunk trees ideal for specimen planting or massing in landscapes. Give them at least 10 feet between trees if planting in rich soil and full sun.
How far apart should a magnolia tree be planted?
Come out from the house about 15 feet. If you’re planting a row of D.D. Blanchard magnolias, place them about 10 feet apart for them to grow together – or 18 to 20 feet apart if you want each to stand alone. These trees will grow in large containers while young.
How to plant a magnolia tree?
Learning how to plant a magnolia tree is key to ensuring it will thrive as it grows. Magnolias can be long-lived, as both trees and shrubs, but the best way to ensure that they grow away well and bloom prolifically is to be sure to plant them properly in the first place. Thoughtless planting is not something that you can correct later.
How far apart should sweetbay magnolia trees be planted?
Use 30 foot spacing for rich soil and full sun exposure. Increase to 50 feet for poorer soils or limited sunlight. The compact sweetbay magnolia grows nicely in tighter groupings with 10-15 feet between trees in ideal conditions. Bump spacing up to 20 feet for average soil and sunlight. In shadier spots, allow 25 feet between trees.
How far apart should a saucer magnolia be planted?
Increase to 15 feet for average conditions, or 20 feet for poor soil or partial shade. The saucer magnolia’s shapely form works well showcased alone or planted in groupings. Allow 15 feet between trees in ideal conditions. For average soil or partial shade, space 20 feet apart. In poorer soils, go up to 30 feet between trees.