The magnolia tree, originally native to Asia and North America, can be found in many gardens and parks and, in spring, enchants viewers from afar with its magnificent, lush blossoms. Depending on the species and cultivation form, magnolias reach very different growth heights.
shrub or tree?
Many magnolia species are large shrubs, but they can also be grown into trees. Most varieties are deciduous in fall, with the exception of the evergreen magnolia. The smaller magnolias, especially the star magnolia, are also suitable for keeping in a bucket.
Some magnolia species and their growth heights
| variety | Latin designation | tree or shrub? | growth height | special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cucumber magnolia | Magnolia acuminata | tree | up to approx. 20 meters | english "Cucumber tree" |
| cucumber magnolia | Magnolia cordata | larger shrub | up to 2 meters | natural mutation of Magnolia acuminata |
| Yulan magnolia | Magnolia denudata | shrub or tree | up to 2 meters | Parent variety for Tulip Magnolia |
| Evergreen magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | tree | up to approx. 25 meters | needs mild weather |
| Purple Magnolia | Magnolia liliiflora | shrub or tree | up to approx. 3 meters | suitable for cut |
| Summer Magnolia | Magnolia sieboldii | shrub or tree | up to approx. 3 meters | late flowering |
| Tulip Magnolia | Magnolia x soulangiana | tree | up to approx. 6 meters | tulip-shaped flowers |
| star magnolia | Magnolia stellata | shrub | up to approx. 150 centimeters | early flowering |
| umbrella magnolia | Magnolia tripetala | tree | up to 12 meters | blooms from June |
tips and tricks
All magnolias are very slow growing. In addition, magnolias do not tolerate pruning very well, which is why you should only remove dead or diseased wood.