Magnolia trees and shrubs are enchanting with their glorious blooms and captivating scents, making them a splendid addition to any landscape.
Whether you have a sprawling garden or a compact urban space, these versatile plants offer something for everyone. Let’s explore 25 stunning varieties that will transform your outdoor space into a botanical masterpiece.
1. Southern Magnolia
Imagine a tree reaching for the stars with its majestic height and sprawling branches. The Southern Magnolia, known for its enormous white flowers, creates an awe-inspiring spectacle in spring and summer.
These glossy-leaved giants not only offer a visual treat but also fill the air with a delightful lemony fragrance. If you have the space, planting one of these will surely become the crowning glory of your landscape.
Plus, they’re evergreen, ensuring your garden stays lush year-round. Be mindful of their large size when planning your garden layout, as they need plenty of room to thrive.
2. Star Magnolia
Picture an early spring morning when the Star Magnolia unfurls its star-like white blossoms. These beauties are among the first to bloom, offering a hint of warmer days to come. With their compact size, they are perfect for smaller gardens or as a focal point in a larger landscape.
Their flowers are not only beautiful but also emit a subtle, sweet fragrance. This deciduous wonder will transform your garden with its early-season blooms and elegant form. It’s a great choice for those who love a touch of starry magic in their garden.
3. Saucer Magnolia
Step into a world of color with the Saucer Magnolia’s striking pink and white blossoms. These large, saucer-shaped flowers appear in early spring, creating a breathtaking display.
Perfect for gardens that crave a bold statement, this variety is both beautiful and versatile. Its vibrant blooms attract not only human admirers but also a host of pollinators.
Their adaptability makes them suitable for various soil types and climates. Ensure they have a sunny spot for the best floral show. Embrace the drama and elegance this magnolia brings to any landscape.
4. Sweetbay Magnolia
Imagine adding a touch of elegance to your garden with the Sweetbay Magnolia’s creamy white flowers and glossy leaves. This magnolia variety thrives in wet areas, making it a perfect choice for planting near water features.
Its subtle lemon scent adds an extra layer of charm to its already alluring appearance. As a semi-evergreen, it offers year-round beauty with minimal leaf drop in colder climates.
The Sweetbay Magnolia’s graceful form enhances both natural and formal landscapes. It’s a delightful addition to gardens where water is a prominent feature.
5. Cucumber Tree Magnolia
Venture into the wild with the Cucumber Tree Magnolia, renowned for its unique cucumber-like fruit. This magnolia is a true giant, reaching impressive heights and spreading its limbs wide. Its large green leaves and yellow-green flowers create a woodland paradise in your backyard.
While the flowers may not be as showy as other magnolias, its majestic presence more than makes up for it. This deciduous tree is ideal for large landscapes where it can stretch its roots and branches. Embrace the natural beauty and unusual characteristics of the Cucumber Tree Magnolia.
6. Jane Magnolia
Envision a garden filled with vibrant purple-pink blooms that catch the eye and warm the heart. The Jane Magnolia, with its compact form, is perfect for smaller spaces that crave color. Its flowers, resembling tulips, open in early spring and occasionally re-bloom in summer.
This deciduous shrub or small tree is both hardy and beautiful, delighting gardeners with its resilience. Jane Magnolia adds a touch of elegance without overwhelming the landscape. Plant it where you can enjoy its beauty up close, and watch your garden come alive.
7. Ann Magnolia
Imagine a garden where deep pink flowers create a romantic and inviting atmosphere. The Ann Magnolia, a member of the Little Girl series, offers stunning blooms that are hard to resist. Its compact size makes it perfect for tight spaces, borders, or as a standalone feature.
This deciduous shrub delights gardeners with a second bloom in late summer. Its resistance to late spring frosts ensures a reliable floral display every year. Ann Magnolia brings a playful yet sophisticated charm to any landscape, enchanting both humans and pollinators alike.
8. Alexandrina Magnolia
Welcome a touch of exotic elegance with the Alexandrina Magnolia’s goblet-shaped pink flowers. These stunning blooms appear in early spring, making it a standout feature in any garden. With its upright growth habit, it adds vertical interest and architectural beauty.
This deciduous tree is not only beautiful but also robust, thriving in a variety of soil conditions. Alexandrina Magnolia is perfect for those who desire a show-stopping centerpiece in their landscape. Its blooms attract butterflies and bees, adding life and movement to your garden.
9. Bigleaf Magnolia
Enter a world of massive leaves and grand floral displays with the Bigleaf Magnolia. Known for its enormous leaves, the largest of any native North American tree, it creates a lush, tropical feel. The large white flowers are equally impressive, adding a touch of drama to any setting.
This deciduous tree thrives in rich, moist soils, making it ideal for woodland gardens. Its striking appearance makes it a favorite among those who appreciate bold, unique plants. Bigleaf Magnolia offers a stunning focal point that draws attention and admiration.
10. Little Gem Magnolia
Imagine a compact version of a Southern classic with all the charm but none of the size. The Little Gem Magnolia offers stunning white flowers and dense, glossy foliage, perfect for smaller gardens. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round beauty and structure in your landscape.
This versatile magnolia is ideal for screening, hedging, or as a standalone feature. The sweet fragrance of its flowers adds an extra dimension to its appeal. Little Gem is a gem indeed, bringing elegance and grace to even the most modest spaces.
11. Black Tulip Magnolia
Step into a world of deep, dark beauty with the Black Tulip Magnolia. Its deep burgundy, tulip-shaped flowers create a striking contrast against its green foliage.
This deciduous tree adds a touch of sophistication and drama to any garden. Ideal for those who appreciate unique and bold plants, it’s a conversation starter.
Thriving in well-drained soil and sunny locations, it graces gardens with its elegant presence. Black Tulip Magnolia is a perfect choice for those who want to make a bold statement with their landscape.
12. Butterflies Magnolia
Imagine bright yellow blooms lighting up your garden like a burst of sunshine. The Butterflies Magnolia, known for its cheerful flowers, brings joy and warmth to any landscape.
This deciduous tree is a beacon of spring, attracting pollinators with its vibrant color. Its upright form and manageable size make it suitable for a variety of garden styles.
Butterflies Magnolia is not only beautiful but also easy to care for, thriving in well-drained soils. It’s a delightful addition for gardeners who love a splash of color and life.
13. Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’
Imagine a sea of pink and white star-shaped flowers gracing your garden in early spring. The Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ is a delightful hybrid known for its stunning floral display. Its compact size makes it suitable for a variety of gardens, from small urban plots to expansive landscapes.
This deciduous tree’s delicate blooms stand out against its green foliage, creating a picturesque scene. Easy to grow and maintain, it thrives in well-drained soil and sunny spots. Leonard Messel adds a touch of elegance and charm to any garden.
14. Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Rustica Rubra’
Welcome a bold splash of color with the Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Rustica Rubra’. Its deep pink and white flowers create a striking visual impact in early spring.
This deciduous hybrid is known for its vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Its large flowers are a magnet for pollinators, adding life and movement to the garden.
Thriving in a range of soils and climates, it’s a versatile choice for many landscapes. Rustica Rubra’s vibrant colors and robust nature make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.
15. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’
Imagine a magnolia that combines the best of beauty and resilience. The Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ offers large white flowers and rich green leaves.
This evergreen tree is perfect for those seeking year-round structure and elegance. Its compact form is ideal for smaller spaces or as a hedge.
Known for its cold tolerance, it’s a reliable choice for various climates. Bracken’s Brown Beauty is a testament to the enduring allure of magnolias, captivating all who encounter it.
16. Magnolia cylindrica
Step into a serene woodland and discover the unique charm of Magnolia cylindrica. This rare variety is known for its cylindrical white flowers that hang gracefully from the branches. Its understated beauty makes it a wonderful addition to naturalistic gardens.
This deciduous tree thrives in well-drained soils and dappled sunlight. Its delicate blooms attract a variety of pollinators, adding life to the landscape. Magnolia cylindrica offers a touch of elegance and rarity to any garden setting.
17. Magnolia stellata ‘Waterlily’
Imagine the delicate beauty of waterlilies blooming on a magnolia shrub. The Magnolia stellata ‘Waterlily’ enchants with its white, waterlily-like flowers in early spring.
This compact shrub is perfect for small gardens or as a patio feature. Its blooms are a magnet for early pollinators, bringing life to the garden.
Easy to care for and maintain, it thrives in well-drained soil and a sunny spot. Waterlily offers a unique blend of elegance and charm, captivating all who see it.
18. Magnolia macrophylla
Imagine a tree that brings a touch of the tropics with its massive leaves and large white flowers. Magnolia macrophylla is known for having the largest leaves and flowers of any native North American tree.
This deciduous tree creates a lush, tropical atmosphere in any garden. Ideal for woodland settings, it thrives in rich, moist soils. Its impressive size and unique foliage make it a standout feature. Magnolia macrophylla is perfect for those who love bold, dramatic plants.
19. Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’
Enter a garden filled with the deep purple hues of the Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’. This striking variety is known for its vibrant, tulip-shaped blossoms. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces or as a border plant.
The deciduous shrub is easy to grow and maintain, thriving in well-drained soils. Its bold color adds a touch of drama to any landscape. ‘Nigra’ is ideal for gardeners who love unique, eye-catching plants.
20. Magnolia denudata
Imagine a garden kissed by early spring with the pure white blooms of Magnolia denudata. This elegant tree is often called the Yulan Magnolia, known for its pristine flowers. Its graceful branches and delicate blooms create a serene and inspiring landscape.
This deciduous tree thrives in well-drained soils and sunny spots, making it a versatile choice. Its flowers attract pollinators, adding life to the garden. Magnolia denudata offers timeless beauty and elegance to any garden.
21. Magnolia x veitchii
Imagine the gentle hues of spring with the soft pink flowers of Magnolia x veitchii. This hybrid tree is known for its profuse blooms and graceful form. Its delicate flowers create a romantic and inviting atmosphere in any garden.
The deciduous tree thrives in well-drained soils and sunny spots, making it easy to grow. Its blooms are a favorite among pollinators, adding life to the landscape. Magnolia x veitchii is perfect for those who love soft, pastel colors in their garden.
22. Magnolia virginiana
Imagine the quiet elegance of Magnolia virginiana, with its white flowers and glossy green leaves. This semi-evergreen tree is perfect for planting near water, adding grace to pondside settings. Its lemon-scented blooms bring a touch of fragrance to the landscape.
Thriving in wet soils, it’s ideal for gardens with water features. Its subtle beauty and adaptable nature make it a versatile choice. Magnolia virginiana adds a peaceful and graceful element to any garden.
23. Magnolia kobus
Imagine a tree that heralds the arrival of spring with its white blossoms and sweet fragrance. Magnolia kobus is known for its early-season blooms and elegant form. This deciduous tree is perfect for gardens that crave a touch of classic beauty.
Thriving in well-drained soils and sunny spots, it’s easy to grow and maintain. Its flowers attract pollinators, bringing life to the garden. Magnolia kobus offers timeless charm and grace to any landscape.
24. Magnolia figo
Imagine a garden filled with the sweet scent of banana as Magnolia figo blooms. This unique shrub is known for its small, creamy yellow flowers that emit a delightful fragrance. Its glossy green leaves add a touch of elegance to any garden.
The evergreen shrub is perfect for hedging or as a standalone feature. Easy to grow and maintain, it thrives in well-drained soils and sunny spots. Magnolia figo is a charming addition for those who love fragrant, unique plants.
25. Magnolia x brooklynensis
Imagine a garden illuminated by the soft glow of yellow flowers from Magnolia x brooklynensis. This hybrid tree is known for its unique color and elegant form. Its blooms stand out against lush green foliage, creating a stunning visual contrast.
Thriving in well-drained soils and sunny spots, it’s easy to grow and maintain. Its flowers attract pollinators, bringing life to the garden. Magnolia x brooklynensis offers a unique and graceful element to any landscape.