Facts about Northern Grown Magnolia Plants
In southern states, the sweet fragrance of the magnolia plants can be discerned from all other scents. The large, highly perfumed blossoms of these trees are most commonly associated with these states because they grow in such abundance there, but individuals in northern states can have the pleasure of the magnolia in their landscapes as well.
The large family of magnolias includes over 200 different types of both shrubs and trees. Of this number, eleven varieties are grown in the United States. Southern magnolias have become almost a trademark of southeastern states, yet many individuals in northern states have desired to include them in their landscapes as well. It is a little known fact that there are several varieties of the magnolia that are hardy in colder climates.
Magnolia soulangiana. A spectacular specimen, the “saucer magnolia” is a variety that is hardy to USDA planting zone 5. The unusual showy plant features numerous stems as opposed to a single trunk, and can be pruned back to be kept as a shrub successfully. Flower buds form at the tips of each of the stems, appearing green and fuzzy throughout the cold, winter months. Early spring coaxes the buds open to reveal a dramatic flower that can measure up to six inches in diameter; ranging in color from snowy white to pink or purple. Since the flowers emerge before any leaves appear, they present quite a remarkable view. When the leaves do spring forth, they are nearly as attractive as the blooms; glossy, dark green leaves that are long and tapering are often used in floral arrangements.
Magnolia Stellata. One of the smaller magnolia trees that do well in northern climates is the star magnolia. Reaching heights of only about 20 feet, the star variety has a full spread during the height of summer of around 15 feet. The branches feature an open concept; extending out in a casual and airy manner. The magnolia plants also flower extremely early, again before the appearance of any of the shiny foliage. Lovely white blossoms in a star pattern blanket the gray colored branches. The light scent fragrantly clings to the spring breezes; not cloying as are the southern magnolias.
Magnolia x loebneri. Known as the “Dr. Merrill” magnolia, this tree is famed as having the loveliest and most fragrant blossoms of the northern magnolias. Capable of achieving heights of 20 feet, its spread can actually reach up to 30 feet in diameter. Again, as with most northern magnolias, the Dr. Merrill will flower on bare wood early in the spring. Snowy white blossoms feature slender petals that extend outwards from the yellow center. The twelve to fifteen petals can measure 3 inches in diameter, providing almost double the blossom.
One of the drawbacks of northern magnolias is that, due to their early blooming habits, they are susceptible to late spring frosts. If temperatures were to drop to the lower 20’s while any of these magnolia specimens were in full bloom, the flowers would be irreparably damaged. Though the tree itself may not be damaged, the magnificent blooming which is the highlight of these trees would be sorely missed. In the colder northern regions of the New England states, planting the magnolia in a location that is sheltered from harsh winds, such as next to a building or shielded by dense shrubs, may help in protecting the delicate blooms.
Magnolia blossoms are well known for their beauty as well as their incredibly fragrant scents; a trademark of the southeastern states that can also be enjoyed in the colder northern climates as well.