The magnolia grandiflora, also known as the southern magnolia is one of the most majestic and beautiful flowering trees you can grow. With its large glossy green leaves and fragrant white blossoms that can reach a foot across, it’s no wonder this tree is prized by gardeners across the southern United States.
If you’ve decided a magnolia grandiflora is the perfect tree for your landscape you probably want to know where you can find one for sale. I’ve researched some of the best online nurseries and stores that offer magnolia grandiflora trees for homeowners looking to add this iconic tree to their yard.
A Bit About the Magnolia Grandiflora
Before discussing where to buy a magnolia grandiflora, let’s take a quick look at what makes this tree so special. Here are a few facts about the southern magnolia:
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Native to the southeastern U.S. from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas. Also the state tree of Mississippi.
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Evergreen tree that can reach 60-80 feet tall and up to 50 feet wide.
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Dark green leaves are 4-6 inches long with fuzzy brown undersides. Leaves remain on the tree year-round.
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Large, fragrant white flowers bloom from late spring through summer. Flowers can be up to 12 inches wide.
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Slow growing but long lived. Trees can live 100+ years.
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Does best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Prefers acidic soil.
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Hardy in zones 7-9. Some cold hardy varieties can grow in zone 6.
With striking flowers and handsome foliage, the magnolia grandiflora makes a wonderful focal point in a southern landscape. Now let’s look at the best places to buy one of these trees for your yard.
Mail Order Nurseries for Magnolia Trees
If you don’t live near a retail nursery that carries magnolia trees, mail order is a great option. Buying a magnolia tree online allows you to have it shipped right to your door. Here are some top online nurseries for magnolia grandiflora trees:
The Tree Center
This nursery offers the widest selection of magnolia trees I found online, with over 25 varieties to choose from. This includes standards like the D.D. Blanchard, Kay Parris, and Bracken’s Brown Beauty southern magnolias. Prices range from $40-200 depending on size. The Tree Center has a good reputation for healthy, high-quality plants.
Wilson Bros Gardens
Wilson Bros provides detailed information on all the magnolias they sell, including mature size, bloom time, hardiness, and care tips. They carry popular evergreen varieties such as Little Gem, Claudia Wannamaker, Edith Bogue, and more. Trees from 3-7 gallons are $40-170. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Arbor Day Foundation
The non-profit Arbor Day Foundation offers magnolia grandiflora bare root and potted trees for $17-45. Though selection is limited, trees purchased support the Foundation’s conservation efforts. Members save 33% on trees.
Fast Growing Trees
This company lives up to its name with fast-growing magnolias in 3-7 gallon containers for $49-129. Low price guarantee and excellent customer service. Discount codes often available.
Brighter Blooms
Brighter Blooms has smaller magnolia grandiflora trees intended for container growing. Choose from Little Gem, D.D. Blanchard, and Teddy Bear varieties in 3-7 gallon pots for just $37-69. A good source for patio trees.
Nature Hills Nursery
Nature Hills sells cold hardy Edith Bogue and Claudia Wannamaker magnolias ideal for northern gardens. Bare root and potted sizes from 1-7 gallons available for $34-119. Free shipping on orders over $99.
Cold Stream Farm
This Maine nursery ships beautiful bare root magnolias in spring. Selection includes D.D. Blanchard, Bracken’s Brown Beauty, Kay Parris, and Magnolia x ‘Elizabeth’ hybrids for zones 4-9. Pricing ranges from $85-155 per tree.
As you can see, mail order gives you access to lots of choice when magnolia tree shopping. Order early for the best selection.
Local Garden Centers With Magnolia Trees
Another option for finding magnolia grandiflora trees is to check with local garden centers in your area. Here are some things to look for:
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Independent nurseries – Ask if they grow their own trees or work with local growers. This helps ensure the trees are suited for your climate.
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Home improvement stores – Big chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot often stock a few magnolia varieties seasonally. Limited choice but may be convenient.
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Farmers markets – Produce markets sometimes have vendors selling plants. It’s worth browsing for hidden gems.
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Specialty nurseries – Businesses focused on trees or southern/tropical plants may have a great magnolia selection.
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College horticulture programs – Nearby colleges may sell trees and plants grown by students. Usually high quality and inexpensive.
No matter where you buy locally, inspect trees carefully for good root systems and avoid anything pot-bound, damaged, or diseased. Also ask about guarantees and return policies.
What To Look For When Buying a Magnolia Grandiflora
Once you’ve found some magnolia trees for sale either online or locally, here are some things to look for to pick the best one:
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Healthy foliage – Leaves should be glossy green without spots or discoloration. Avoid trees with yellowing, wilted, or curled leaves.
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Good branching – Choose a tree with well-spaced branches starting a few feet up the trunk, not right at the base.
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Straight central leader – For trees with a central leader, it should be vertical without crooks or curves.
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Strong roots – Check that root balls or bare root systems are robust, not loose, rotten, or girdling the trunk.
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Right size – Pick a tree sized appropriately for its planting space, neither too small nor overgrown.
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No pests – Look for signs of damage from insects or diseases. Select a pristine tree.
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Good smell – Trees should give off a light, pleasant scent when foliage is crushed. Avoid any foul odors.
When you take time to pick out a vigorous, high-quality magnolia grandiflora, you’ll be rewarded with years of beauty from your tree.
Add a Magnolia Grandiflora to Your Landscape This Season
With their showy blossoms and handsome leaves, magnolia trees are a wonderful choice for gardens across the southern U.S. By ordering from a top online nursery or shopping locally, you can find a beautiful magnolia grandiflora tree that will flourish in your yard. Just dream up the perfect spot to showcase these iconic flowering trees this season.
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Magnolia grandiflora trees for sale
FAQ
Are magnolia grandiflora fast growing?
Magnolia grandiflora is an exotic-looking, fast-growing, long-lived, evergreen shrub or tree of pyramidal to rounded habit, with attractive, oblong, glossy, dark-green leaves, copper-brown underneath.
How long does it take for Magnolia grandiflora to grow?
Under natural conditions, many trees spend 10 to 20 years in the understory before they reach the upper canopy. Annual diameter growth for these trees is . 51 cm (.
Where is the best place to plant a magnolia grandiflora?
- full sun.
- fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
- slightly acidic or neutral conditions.
- a sheltered position.
How big do magnolia grandiflora trees get?
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.
Where can I buy Magnolia grandiflora trees?
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. Buy Magnolia Grandiflora Trees for sale at Trees Direct. A beautiful evergreen tree with creamy white flowers with a lovely lemon scent. Order online today.
What does a Magnolia grandiflora look like?
The Magnolia Grandiflora is a beautiful evergreen Magnolia tree with large boat-like bright green glossy leaves. Huge exquisite creamy white flowers with a wonderful lemon scent bloom from midsummer to mid-autumn. A most magnificent and rewarding tree. Likes sun or semi-shade and prefers neutral to acid well-drained soil. See Full Description
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.
What does a southern magnolia tree look like?
This very compact southern magnolia features an upright form with shiny, deep green leaves that have heavy, velvety, reddish brown undersides, and classic, large 6- to 8-inch wide, fragrant, white flowers. A superb specimen tree for smaller landscapes, or use as an accent in larger landscapes. Evergreen. LIGHT: Full sun
Are southern magnolia trees evergreen?
The southern magnolia is without equal among evergreen flowering trees, and the Claudia Wannamaker form is top of the list for a full-sized tree, that will begin to bloom at an early age. This vigorous tree will grow rapidly, at around 3 feet a year when young, so it will soon become a good-sized specimen, or create an excellent screen for privacy.
Where do magnolia trees grow?
Most evergreen magnolias grown in gardens are derived from the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). This tree is native to the southeast, from North Carolina down into Florida, and west into Texas and Oklahoma. Old wild trees can be 90 feet tall, although garden trees are usually much smaller.