The words magnolia tree likely inspire visions the American South, of large shade trees with fragrant blossoms in sweet pastel colors. And though they’re often associated with states like Louisiana and Mississippi, they actually have quite a large growing range. In fact, there are types of magnolias that flourish as far north as Maine and Minnesota, and with 12 species and hundreds of varieties (including some that grow at big as 70 feet), there’s a magnolia for everyone. Whatever magnolia tree you pick, whether one with beautiful white, pink, red, or even yellow flowers, the plant is sure to bring a note of elegance to your garden.
“Magnolia trees are absolutely beautiful,” says Evan Torchio, CEO and founder at Tree Menders, expert arborists. “Some types are evergreen and have these large, stunning white blooms, while others are deciduous magnolias (ones that lose their leaves in the winter) and grow a bit smaller,” he says. According to Torchio, people love planting them because of their incredible late spring flower show, which attracts bees, wasps, flies, and even spiders—making the trees a great resource for supporting local wildlife.
For all these reasons and more, you might be considering adding a magnolia tree, a beautiful flowering tree, or two to your yard. We chatted with Torchio and Judie Evrard Brower of Tesselaar Plants, an international plant research company, to find out how to plant a magnolia tree and everything else you need to know in order to add one to your outdoor space.
A magnolia tree can make a gorgeous focal point in your front yard. With their stately presence, aromatic blooms, and attractive foliage, magnolias are a sought-after choice to enhance curb appeal.
In this article, we’ll look at:
- Benefits of planting magnolia trees in your front yard
- How to choose the right magnolia variety
- Care tips to keep your magnolia thriving
- Design ideas for showcasing magnolias
- Alternatives if magnolias aren’t the right fit
So let’s dive in and explore how a magnolia tree can take your front yard to the next level!
Why Choose a Magnolia for Your Front Yard?
There are several reasons why magnolia trees are a popular front yard choice
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Curb Appeal: With their large, fragrant white, pink, purple or yellow flowers, magnolias are gorgeous specimen trees that make a statement.
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Fragrance Many magnolia varieties have wonderfully scented blooms that perfume the air Sitting on your front porch with magnolia fragrance wafting by is a delightful experience,
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Low Maintenance: Once established, magnolias are relatively hassle-free trees with minor care needs. Their waxy leaves resist pests and fungal diseases.
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Long Lifespan: Properly cared for, magnolia trees can thrive for over 100 years. This makes them a lasting investment to enhance your landscape.
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Versatile Size: Magnolias range in size from daintier 15-foot trees to towering 80-foot varieties. You can find one suitable for your specific yard.
How to Choose the Right Magnolia
When selecting a magnolia, consider these factors:
Climate – Choose a variety adapted to your planting zone. Magnolias range from cold hardy (Zone 4) to tropical (Zone 10).
Size & Space – Check the tree’s expected mature height and width to ensure you have adequate room as it grows.
Bloom Season – Magnolia flowering varies from early spring into summer. Pick a bloom time that fits your preferences.
Form – Select a shape like pyramidal, weeping, columnar etc. that suits your landscape design needs.
Soil & Sun – Most magnolias need full sun and well-drained soil. Ensure the site matches the variety’s needs.
Some excellent front yard magnolia varieties include:
- Little Girl magnolias – Compact, 10-15 feet tall.
- Jane magnolia – Fragrant pink flowers, 20-25 feet tall.
- Ann magnolia – Large creamy summer blooms, 20 feet tall.
- Victoria magnolia – Huge blossoms in summer, 40 feet tall.
No matter which you choose, magnolias make a statement!
Caring for Your Front Yard Magnolia
While relatively low-maintenance, magnolias do require some care to thrive:
Watering – Water regularly the first year and during droughts. Mature magnolias are somewhat drought tolerant.
Fertilizing – Feed in early spring and after flowering with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning – Prune to shape in late winter, removing dead branches. Avoid drastic pruning.
Pest/Disease Control – Watch for potential problems like scale, root rot and wilt. Treat promptly.
Mulching – Apply organic mulch around the tree, avoiding contact with the trunk.
Design Tips for Showcasing Magnolias
When incorporating magnolias into your front yard, consider these design ideas:
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Plant as a focal point near the front entry to highlight the flowers.
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Surround with lower plants like azaleas to showcase the magnolia as a specimen.
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Place benches beneath the canopy to enjoy the fragrance and shade.
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Allow adequate space for the mature spread of the canopy.
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Use lighting to create drama by illuminating the flowers at night.
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Group with plants having contrasting textures and colors.
Front Yard Alternatives to Magnolias
While magnolias are superb, there are other great options too:
Maples – Gorgeous fall color and classic shape. Red, sugar and Japanese maples are popular.
Crape Myrtles – Lovely summer blooms and attractive peeling bark. Many color varieties.
Dogwoods – Spring flowers in pink, white or red. Gorgeous fall color.
Redbuds – Delicate purple blooms in early spring. Relatively small size.
Fringe Trees – Unique flowers resembling falling white fringe. Interesting form.
Snowbells – Spring flowering smaller tree with a graceful tiered shape.
Visit your local nursery to view options in person before deciding on the perfect front yard tree!
Transform Your Curb Appeal with Magnolias
How to plant a magnolia treeStep 1: Pick a Spot
Many varieties of magnolia prefer full sun and can tolerate some shade. Always check your variety’s care requirements. If unsure, ask a horticulturist at your local plant nursery. Most magnolias, either trees or shrubs, don’t like to be surrounded by many other plants, so find an open space to plant your tree. “Magnolias prefer some room to spread, so avoid planting them too close to structures,” says Torchio. Also, be warned: Once established, magnolias don’t want to be moved, so be sure the spot you pick is perfect for your tree’s needs long term.Step 2: Plant the Tree
When you dig your hole, make sure that it’s twice as wide as the root ball. “Make sure the root flare—where the trunk starts to spread out at the base—is visible at ground level,” says Torchio. This is because magnolias don’t like anything growing over this section of the plant, including grass. Next, place the tree in the hole, making sure it’s standing straight and is level with the ground.
Backfill the hole with soil, gently packing it around the roots, but also add plenty of organic compost into the soil you’re spreading. Make sure the root at the very top of the magnolia, the root flare, is exposed, as mentioned in step two.Step 4: Water thoroughly
According to Torchio, to help your tree get established, you want to keep young magnolia trees well-watered, so water the magnolia just after planting to make sure it gets off to a great start. However, most magnolias can’t tolerate standing water. It’s better to water them regularly, especially in their growing season (when this is depends on the variety, but it could be late spring to late summer) but not too much, as this will drown them. Once established, many magnolias become drought-tolerant and require less water. Even in the high humidity of Florida, southern magnolia can thrive.What are common mistake when planting magnolias?
There are several common mistakes people make when planting magnolias. First off, not having the root flare exposed is probably the biggest mistake you could make. 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. In fact, for magnolia trees like the southern magnolia, be sure to plant it at least 20 feet away from your house.
Is it better to plant a magnolia from seed of buy a baby tree from a nursery?
While it’s of course possible to plant a magnolia tree from seed, experts advise finding a baby magnolia tree from a plant nursery. “It’s best to start with a young tree from a nursery rather than planting from seed since it speeds up the growth process,” says Torchio. After all, magnolias take years to grow to their full size, and depending on where you live and what variety you hope to have, the tree may take years to establish itself with a strong root system.
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FAQ
Is a magnolia tree good to plant in the front yard?
Any type of flowering magnolia tree makes for a good choice for front yard trees.
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.
What is the best tree to have in the front yard?
Most homeowners opt for the following types of trees to beautify and improve their yards: maples, redbuds, arborvitae or white cedars, Japanese maples, dogwoods, birch, cherry, magnolia and crepe myrtle. Unlike many other plants, a tree can significantly change the look and feel of your lawn for many years to come.
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.