When you’re dreaming up your perfect garden layout, it’s usually those stunning, colorful magnolia blooms that take center stage in your mind. But here’s a pro tip: don’t forget to look at the big picture! Since magnolias are incredibly long-lived, knowing exactly how tall and wide they’ll get at maturity is just as important as picking the right shade of pink.
Shrubs vs. Trees
Out of the 200+ species of magnolias out there, most naturally want to grow as large shrubs. However, quite a few varieties can be trained into a tree shape with a little bit of strategic pruning. Depending on which growth habit you choose, the final height and spread of your plant can vary quite a bit.
How Tall Do They Get?
To reach their full potential, magnolias really need to be planted in the ground rather than kept in a pot. There are about 100 species that are hardy enough to handle typical temperate climates year-round. Here’s a quick look at the heights of some fan favorites:
- Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata) – up to 65 feet
- Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata) – up to 6.5 feet
- Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) – up to 10 feet
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) – up to 80 feet
- Oyama Magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii) – up to 10 feet
- Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) – up to 5 feet
- Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) – up to 20 feet
Planning for the Long Haul
When you’re sketching out your garden beds, remember to account for the magnolia’s width, too—especially if you’re letting it grow into its natural shrub form. Magnolias are a bit like us; they appreciate having some personal space! This is because they have shallow root systems that spread out wide just beneath the soil surface. Since these beauties are going to be a part of your landscape for a very long time, you’ll want to make sure they have plenty of room to thrive right from the start.
