Spring in Savannah is one of the most popular times of year to visit, and it only takes one look at the photos to understand why! Between the azaleas, climbing roses, jasmine, magnolias, fringe trees, and agapanthus, the city is bursting with color all season long.
The best places to go to see all of the beautiful flowers around the city are Forsyth Park, the cemeteries in Savannah (particularly Bonaventure Cemetery and Laurel Grove Cemetery), most of the squares in the Historic District, Victory Drive, and at the Savannah Botanical Gardens.
Magnolias are some of the most beloved flowers in the American South. These stately trees explode with huge, fragrant blooms that signal the arrival of spring. If you live in Georgia, you may be wondering exactly when you can expect to see magnolias burst into flower. Read on for a complete guide to magnolia blooming seasons in Georgia.
Magnolia Flowering Basics
There are over 200 species of magnolia trees and shrubs. Southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) and saucer magnolias (Magnolia x soulangeana) are two of the most popular types grown in Georgia.
Magnolias bloom in spring once temperatures warm up and the danger of frost has passed. Flowering is triggered by a combination of factors like chill hours and warming temperatures. Magnolias need a certain number of chill hours (temperatures under 45°F) to set buds. Warmer weather then spurs the buds to open.
Exact bloom times can vary from year to year depending on winter and early spring temperatures But generally, you can expect magnolias to flower in Georgia anytime from March through June
Typical Blooming Seasons by Magnolia Species
-
Southern magnolias bloom from April to June. These are among the last magnolias to flower in spring.
-
Saucer magnolias bloom earlier, usually March to April
-
Star magnolias open from March through April as well.
-
Early-blooming hybrids like Little Girl magnolias can flower as early as February during warm winters.
As you can see, bloom times overlap quite a bit among the different magnolia varieties. Choosing a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers extends the floral display in your garden.
Factors That Influence Bloom Time
Several factors impact exactly when your magnolias will put on their yearly show in Georgia:
Winter Temperatures: Magnolias need to experience chill hours to flower properly. If winters are excessively warm, bloom may be delayed.
Spring Temperatures: A warm early spring will induce earlier flowering. Late cold snaps can damage buds and delay blooms.
Location: Your specific location in Georgia influences bloom times. Coastal zones tend to flower earlier than inland regions. Elevation plays a role too.
Sun Exposure: Magnolias in full sun often bloom a week or two ahead of more shaded plants. The extra warmth from sunlight hastens flowering.
Species Variation: As noted above, different magnolia species and cultivars bloom over an extended season from February to June.
Mature Size: Younger, smaller magnolias may bloom later than well-established mature trees.
Peak Blooming Periods Around Georgia
Want to catch magnolias at their peak flowering time? Here are some guidelines for different cities:
-
Atlanta: Mid to late April
-
Augusta: Early to mid-April
-
Columbus: Early to mid-April
-
Macon: Mid April
-
Savannah: Late March to mid-April
-
Athens: Early to mid-April
Again, these are general averages based on previous years. Actual bloom time may vary by a week or two depending on seasonal weather patterns.
Tips for Maximizing Magnolia Blooms
Follow these tips to get the most abundant, beautiful magnolia flowers:
-
Choose a sunny, sheltered spot. Magnolias bloom best in full sun or light shade. Shelter from wind helps protect those early blooms.
-
Provide consistent moisture. Water thoroughly when dry. Mulch to conserve moisture.
-
Prune right after flowering. This removes spent blooms and shapes the plant without sacrificing next year’s flower buds.
-
Fertilize in early spring. Use an organic fertilizer or one formulated for acid-loving plants.
-
Protect from late frosts. Cover buds with fabric if freezing temps are forecasted after flowering has started.
Where to See Magnolias in Georgia
The best way to admire magnolias is to get out and see them during peak bloom! Here are some top spots:
Callaway Gardens
This sprawling resort in Pine Mountain features over 600 acres of gardens. The many magnolias provide a spectacular floral display in spring.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Home to a Magnolia Promenade with diverse magnolia species. Blooms begin here in early April.
Augusta Canal
Canal walkways lined with gorgeous old Southern magnolias blooming April into May.
Savannah Historic District
The squares of downtown Savannah overflow with stunning magnolias starting late March.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Part of the University of Georgia, this botanical garden boasts magnolias galore. Peak bloom runs late March to mid-April.
Ocmulgee Mounds Historical Park
Massive old Southern magnolias at this Macon park flower beautifully in April.
Magnolias herald the arrival of spring with their showy, fragrant blooms. In Georgia, flowering occurs from as early as February to as late as June depending on the species and weather conditions. With this guide, you’ll know exactly when to expect peak magnolia flowering where you live. Head out and revel in the beauty at the height of bloom!
My #1 Tip for Beginner Photographers
When taking photos of the azaleas, try to position yourself so the azaleas are in the foreground of your shot and an iconic Savannah landmark is in the background of the photo.
You can see examples above in the photo of The Olde Pink House and the shot with the marquee sign of the iconic Lucas Theatre in the background.
What’s Blooming in Savannah?
Here is a very general timeline to help you with your planning…
- March: This is prime azalea season! Dogwoods also begin blooming in March, and you can often spot yellow climbing roses in gardens throughout the Historic District. Sometimes the camellias are fading away, so you might catch remnants of them, too.
- April: This is the time for Chinese fringe trees and dogwood blossoms. Sometimes the jasmine begins blooming late in the month. The Spanish moss gets tiny blossoms on it starting around this time of year.
- May: Jasmine is the star of the show during May, and it looks (and smells) heavenly! Southern magnolias bloom in May, too. Bright purple agapanthus starts to bloom at the end of spring and lasts into the summer months.
If you can time your trip to coincide with azalea season, it’s by far the prettiest time of year to visit Savannah. The entire city seems like it’s covered in pink and white blossoms!
Allow me to present photographic evidence of this phenomenon…
This light pink variety is called Autumn Belle® by Encore® | ©Erin Clarkson | Canon EOS R + Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Avoid These 5 Five Mistakes When Growing and Planting Magnolias
FAQ
What months do magnolias bloom?
Because of the wide variety of magnolia trees you might see magnolias blooming anywhere from March to August.
What are the first flowers to bloom in Georgia?
Galanthus. Snowdrops are among the first flowers to bloom in spring. They grow well under deciduous trees and are good for naturalizing and random planting. The drooping white flowers have a green splotch around the inner segments.
What is the best magnolia tree for Georgia?
Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, is an aristocratic tree. It grows well throughout Georgia, is widely adaptable to a variety of soils and has few pest problems.
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.