The southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a magnificent southern native tree. It grows naturally from Virginia south to central Florida, and west to Texas and Oklahoma. This striking evergreen grows to a height of 90 feet with 10-inch glossy dark green leaves and, in summer, 12-inch white fragrant flowers.
More than 100 cultivars have been bred and marketed, including many smaller plants and selections with various leaf colors underneath. The selections vary in size and shape but most have the familiar fragrant white flowers.
The plant collector Mark Catesby brought magnolia grandiflora to Britain in 1726. Philip Miller included a glowing description in his 1731 publication, “The Gardeners’ Dictionary.” It is one of the many species first described by Linnaeus in 1759. The genus name honors Pierre Magnol, a French botanist who lived from 1638 to 1715. The species name comes from the Latin words grandis or big, combined with flor-, or flower, to describe the big white flowers.
This valuable ornamental tree has many additional uses. Lumber from the tree is used in the construction of furniture, boxes, pallets, sashes and doors. The seeds provide food for squirrels, opossums, quail and turkey. A considerable amount of magnolia foliage is used in decorative seasonal displays, especially during the winter holidays.
The large mature size of the southern magnolia can be an issue in urban gardens. There are numerous cultivars available that stay smaller and provide the shiny deep green foliage with attractive cinnamon brown pubescence on the undersides, as well as the perfumed flowers.
Little Gem southern magnolia forms a dense, dark green columnar or pyramidal shape. It originally was developed in 1952 by Steed’s Nursery in Candor. Little Gem flowers heavily over an extended period in warmer climate. It grows at a slow rate to a height of 20 to 25 feet, with an average spread of 15 feet, and flowers when only 2 or 3 years old. The leathery leaves range from 5 to 8 inches in length, with bronze pubescence underneath.
Little Gem has fragrant flowers that can grow from 6 to 8 inches across, which is only half the size of the magnolia grandiflora. The heavy flowering season begins in spring and extends into summer. Little Gem can be planted from full sun to full shade. It is often more suitable for small landscape gardens.
Consider this tip when growing Magnolia grandiflora: It is difficult to grow anything underneath the tree, so plant it where the lowest branches can grow to the ground. The thick leaves that drop in the fall and spring, as well as the seedpods, can be allowed to collect under the tree with only occasional removal needed.
Peg Godwin is horticulture agent, Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Center. Reach her at Peg_Godwin@ncsu.edu or 252-527-2191.