In the gardening world, there’s honestly nothing quite like the moment a magnolia tree bursts into bloom. Depending on which variety you’ve got in your yard, that magic moment happens at different times throughout the season. Plus, the color palette is incredible—ranging from crisp whites to deep, moody purples.
When Do They Actually Bloom?
If you’re planning your garden calendar, here’s a quick guide to when the most popular species show off their flowers:
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): These evergreen beauties bloom from May all the way through August.
- Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata): A real early bird that kicks things off in March.
- Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana): These iconic “tulip” shapes usually pop in April.
- Oyama Magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii): A lovely choice for summer color between June and July.
- Umbrella Magnolia (Magnolia tripetala): These unique blooms typically appear in April or May.
As a rule of thumb, the main flowering show usually lasts about two weeks.
The “Bonus” Bloom in August
Did you know some magnolias pull a double shift? While we usually think of them as spring stars, certain varieties can actually bloom twice a year. If we have a particularly early and mild spring, don’t be surprised if your Saucer Magnolia or Lily Magnolia treats you to a second round of flowers in August. It’s like a little late-summer gift for your garden!
