With over 200 species originating from East Asia and the Americas, magnolias are a true garden classic. About a hundred of these varieties are hardy enough to thrive in our temperate climates. When you’re picking out the perfect one for your yard, the biggest factor to consider isn’t just the color—it’s how much elbow room you can give it.
A Huge Variety to Choose From
Magnolias are famous for their diversity in size. Depending on the variety you choose, you could end up with a modest shrub or a massive 60-foot tree. But don’t just look up! You also have to think about what’s happening underground. Magnolias are shallow-rooted plants, and as they grow taller, their root systems spread out wide. To keep your tree happy, make sure you pick a spot with plenty of room for those roots to stretch out from day one.
Put Down the Pruners!
I see it all the time: gardeners fall in love with a magnolia but don’t have the space for it, so they try to keep it small with heavy pruning. Trust me, don’t do it! Over-pruning usually backfires, leaving you with no flowers and a tree full of unsightly “water sprouts” (those vertical, sucker-like branches). While you actually can train certain varieties into a bonsai, it takes a ton of work and expertise. Your best bet? Choose a variety that fits your garden’s footprint at its full, mature size.
Average Heights for Popular Varieties
- Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata): up to 65 feet
- Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata): up to 7 feet
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): up to 33 feet
- Kobus Magnolia (Magnolia kobus): up to 33 feet
- Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora): up to 13 feet
- Loebner Magnolia (Magnolia loebneri): up to 10 feet
- Oyama Magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii): up to 13 feet
- Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana): up to 20 feet
- Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata): up to 5 feet
