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Growing magnolias in zone 6 climates may seem like an impossible feat, but not all magnolia trees are hothouse flowers. In fact, there are more than 200 species of magnolia, and of those, many beautiful hardy magnolia varieties tolerate the chilly winter temperatures of USDA hardiness zone 6. Read on to learn about a few of the many types of zone 6 magnolia trees.
Magnolia trees are beloved for their fragrant showy blooms and attractive foliage. While some magnolia species can only survive in warm climates there are many cold-hardy varieties that flourish in USDA zone 6 gardens. With proper selection and care, magnolias can add striking beauty to landscapes across diverse zone 6 regions.
Overview of Magnolia Hardiness
There are over 200 magnolia species and they vary greatly in their cold tolerance Tropical champaca magnolia (Magnolia champaca) grows best above zone 10 while southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) tolerates zone 7-9 Both keep leaves year-round.
Hardy deciduous magnolias for zone 6 include:
- Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) – Zones 4-8
- Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) – Zones 5-10
- Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata) – Zone 3
Saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) ranges from zone 4-9 depending on cultivar. Hybrids and cultivars bred for cold hardiness grow best in zone 6.
Best Magnolia Varieties for Zone 6
Here are top magnolia trees to grow in zone 6:
Star Magnolia
Grows 15-20 feet tall. Abundant early spring blooms before leaves emerge.
- Royal Star – Most popular, huge white flowers.
- Centennial Blush – Pink blooms.
Tulip Tree Magnolia
Fast growing to 60 feet. Massive tulip-like blooms in spring.
- Jane – Purplish-red flowers.
- Butterflies – Pale yellow blooms.
Southern Magnolia
Classic magnolia with huge white summer flowers, evergreen foliage.
- Kay Parris – More compact at 20 feet.
- Alta – Withstands colder temperatures.
Sweetbay Magnolia
Smaller magnolia, flowers in late spring. Grows 15-25 feet.
- Moonglow – Prolific blooms.
- Snowdrift – Frilly white flowers.
Evergreen Magnolia
Glossy green leaves year-round. Excellent screening trees.
- Edith Bogue – Fast growing to 40 feet.
- Victoria – Grows 20-30 feet.
Growing Magnolias in Zone 6
Follow these tips for successfully growing magnolias in your zone 6 garden:
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Select varieties suited specifically for zone 6. Consider minimum temperatures.
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Choose locations with full sun to part shade exposure. Morning sun is essential.
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Plant in moist, well-draining, fertile soil. Improve clay or sandy soils before planting.
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Space magnolias properly to allow for growth. 10-15 feet for smaller varieties, 20-30 feet for larger.
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Water regularly when young and during droughts. Avoid constantly soggy soil.
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Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around trees to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Prune selectively in late winter to shape trees. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Fertilize in early spring with organic fertilizer to encourage growth.
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Protect young trees from deer with fencing if needed.
When and Where to Plant
The best times for planting container magnolias are early spring before growth starts or fall. Bare root magnolias should be planted in early spring while dormant or fall before ground freezes.
Carefully consider the mature size before choosing a spot. Plant larger magnolias as specimen trees and smaller varieties near houses or in mixed borders. All magnolias need full sun, especially morning sun. Prepare soil before planting by amending and improving drainage in clay orcompacted soils.
Magnolia Benefits for Zone 6
Magnolias offer outstanding benefits for zone 6 gardens:
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Adaptability – Many magnolias naturally occur in zone 6, evolving to survive.
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Flowering – Magnolias flower abundantly in spring, ranging from white to pink, purple and yellow.
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Evergreen options – Some magnolias keep leaves year-round for winter interest.
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Cold hardy varieties – Bred magnolias like star magnolias withstand zone 6 winters.
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Fast growth – Magnolias establish quickly and fill in faster than many trees.
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Fragrant blooms – Most magnolias have wonderfully scented, showy flowers.
In the right location, magnolias will flourish into captivating focal points and bring beauty to your zone 6 landscape for years to come.
How Hardy are Magnolia Trees?
Hardiness of magnolia trees varies widely depending on the species. For example, Champaca magnolia (Magnolia champaca) thrives in humid tropical and subtropical climates of USDA zone 10 and above. Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a slightly tougher species that tolerates relatively mild climates of zone 7 through 9. Both are evergreen trees. Hardy zone 6 magnolia trees include Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), which grows in USDA zone 4 through 8, and Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), which grows in zones 5 through 10. Cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata) is an extremely tough tree that tolerates extreme cold winters of zone 3. The hardiness of Saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) depends on the cultivar; some grow in zones 5 through 9, while others tolerate climates as far north as zone 4. Generally, hardy magnolia varieties are deciduous.
Best Zone 6 Magnolia Trees
Star magnolia varieties for zone 6 include:
Sweetbay varieties that will thrive in this zone are:
- ‘Jim Wilson Moonglow’
- ‘Australis’ (also known as Swamp magnolia)
Cucumber trees that are suitable include:
Saucer magnolia varieties for zone 6 are:
As you can see, it is possible to grow a magnolia tree in a zone 6 climate. There are a number to choose from and their ease of care, along with other attributes specific to each, make these great additions to the landscape.
Top 5 Best Magnolias for Cold Climates | NatureHills.com
FAQ
Can a magnolia tree grow in zone 6?
All the charm of a southern magnolia in a smaller size, the little gem magnolia is a popular ornamental choice for people living in hardiness zones 6 through 10. It is often used as a standout landscape specimen, to add evergreen beauty near decks and patios, as a floral screen or hedge, and in large containers.
Why not to plant a magnolia tree?
Its shallow roots spread wide and can cause damage to sidewalks and driveways; if relocated during construction, a magnolia will undergo significant damage and likely die.
What is the most cold tolerant magnolia?
Starting our list is the largest of the cold-hardy selections, the double petaled Merrill Magnolia Tree (Magnolia x loebneri ‘Merrill’) is a vision in white! This single trunk tree-form has fragrant blossoms that have 15 petals per flower directly on the branches before the leaves emerge each spring.
What are the disadvantages of a magnolia tree?
- 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.