Select the magnolia variety according to space requirements
Magnolias come in very different sizes; From small, shrub-like dwarf magnolias to trees more than 20 meters high, every imaginable height is included. The actual altitude, however, depends on various factors, as genetic predispositions cannot develop in the same way under all climatic conditions. The same variety is significantly higher in regions with a mild climate than under local conditions. However, all magnolias grow in width as they grow in height, ie you have to plan several meters of space in the garden for a stately growing tree.
also read
- From the small shrub to the imposing tree - the height of different magnolias varies
- Hardy magnolias - the problem of late frosts in spring
- Different types of magnolia have different flowering times
Better not cut magnolias
Many a gardener with a small garden may try to trim his magnolia tree to a suitable size. These magnolias will always try to reach their genetically programmed size in every possible way. They develop extremely bizarre growth forms with lots of so-called “water veins” that sprout like mushrooms from all interfaces. Save yourself and your tree this unpleasant experience and prefer to fall back on a small-stature variety.
For many new breeds there is no experience yet
Regarding the numerous new breeds that have appeared on the market in recent years, it is unfortunately not yet possible to make reliable statements about their expected size. However, its height can be roughly estimated by taking the sizes of the parent magnolia as a starting point.
Different types of magnolia and their growth sizes
In the following table you can compare the different heights of the different magnolia varieties and their winter hardiness.
Magnolia variety | Latin name | Stature | Flower color | Winter hardiness |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cucumber Magnolia | Magnolia acuminata | up to 20 meters | yellow-green to yellow | frost-proof |
Cucumber Magnolia | Magnolia cordata | up to 20 meters | yellow | frost-proof |
Yulan magnolia | Magnolia denudata | up to 2 meters | yellow | winterproof |
Evergreen magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | up to 10 meters | different colors | No |
Kobushi magnolia | Magnolia kobus | up to 10 meters / up to 5 meters wide | White | hardy |
Purple magnolia | Magnolia liliiflora | up to approx. 4 meters | multicolored / different colors | winterproof |
Big star magnolia | Magnolia loebneri | up to approx. 3 meters | white or pink | winterproof |
Summer magnolia | Magnolia Sieboldii | up to approx. 4 meters | White | hardy |
Tulip magnolia | Magnolia soulangiana | up to approx. 6 meters | different colors | frost-proof |
Star magnolia | Magnolia stellata | up to 1.5 meters | White | frost-proof |
Umbrella magnolia | Magnolia tripetala | up to 12 meters | White | winterproof |
Swamp magnolia | Magnolia virginiana | up to 10 meters | White | No |
Yellow River | Magnolia yellow river | up to 2.5 meters | creamy white to ivory colored | winterproof |
Magnolia hybrid "Genie" | Magnolia soulangiana "Genie" | up to approx. 3 meters | dark / red-purple | winterproof |
Tips & Tricks
The star magnolias are usually much smaller than other magnolias. If there is very little space and there is a corresponding interest, training as a bonsai is also possible.