There are currently around 230 different varieties of magnolia on the market, but only around 100 of these are suitable for the Central European climate. However, countless new breeds are added every year. For these, no reliable statements can be made with regard to the size to be expected.

Select magnolia variety according to space requirements

Magnolias reach very different sizes; From small, rather shrub-like dwarf magnolias to trees more than 20 meters tall, every conceivable height is included. However, the actual height depends on various factors, because the genetic disposition cannot develop equally under all climatic conditions. The same variety grows significantly taller in regions with a mild climate than in local conditions. However, all magnolias grow equally in width as they grow in height, i. H. You have to plan several meters of space in the garden for a stately growing tree.

Better not to cut magnolias

Many a gardener with a small garden may try to trim their magnolia tree to a suitable size. These magnolias will always try to reach their genetically programmed size in any way they can. They develop extremely bizarre growth forms with lots of so-called "water veins" that sprout like mushrooms from all interfaces. Spare yourself and your tree this unpleasant experience and prefer to use a small variety.

There is still no experience for many new breeds

For the numerous new breeds that have appeared on the market in recent years, it is unfortunately not yet possible to make any reliable statements about their expected size. However, their height can be roughly estimated by using the sizes of the parent magnolia as a starting point.

Different magnolia varieties and their growth sizes

In the table below you can compare the different growth heights of the various magnolia varieties and their winter hardiness.

variety of magnolia Latin name growth height flower color hardiness
Cucumber Magnolia Magnolia acuminata up to 20 meters yellow-green to yellow frost resistant
Cucumber Magnolia Magnolia cordata up to 20 meters yellow frost resistant
Yulan magnolia Magnolia denudata up to 2 meters yellow winterized
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 winterized
Big Star Magnolia Magnolia loebneri up to approx. 3 meters white or pink winterized
Summer Magnolia Magnolia sieboldii up to approx. 4 meters White hardy
Tulip Magnolia Magnolia soulangiana up to approx. 6 meters different colors frost resistant
star magnolia Magnolia stellata up to approx. 1.5 meters White frost resistant
Umbrella Magnolia Magnolia tripetala up to 12 meters White winterized
swamp magnolia Magnolia virginiana up to 10 meters White no
Yellow River Magnolia yellow river up to 2.5 meters creamy white to ivory winterized
Magnolia Hybrid "Genie" Magnolia soulangiana 'genius' up to approx. 3 meters dark / red-violet winterized

tips and tricks

The star magnolias are usually significantly smaller than other magnolia varieties. If there is very little space and the corresponding interest, training as a bonsai is also possible.

Category:

Trees