1k saves
Magnolia
We track 36 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Magnolia varieties
See all 36 Magnolia varieties →Search this genus →
5 species of Magnolia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Magnolia in Sow
Save the Magnolia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Magnolia
Whats common across all Magnolia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 36 most-grown of them.
The Magnolia year
- MulchMarch, April and October97% of varieties
Maintain a mulch layer over the root zone to keep soil cool and moist.
- PruneMay and June92% of varieties
Prune after flowering only to remove dead or broken branches.
- FertilizeMarch81% of varieties
Apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants in early spring if needed.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October50% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall. Ensure soil is rich and well-drained.
Do
- Mulch annually to protect the shallow root system.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch over the shallow roots 🍂
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during the first few years.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely
- Avoid planting in alkaline or poorly drained soil
- Don't prune unless absolutely necessary to remove a dead branch
What goes wrong with Magnolia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Magnolia Scale | Large, white, waxy bumps on twigs in late summer, with sticky honeydew. | Scrub off small infestations. Apply horticultural oil in late summer after crawlers have emerged. |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Magnolia scale | Large waxy bumps on young stems with heavy honeydew and sooty mould developing below | Treat with horticultural oil when crawlers are active in late summer; scrape light infestations off by hand |
| Leaf Spot | Various fungal or bacterial spots on leaves. | Generally not serious. Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves. Improve air circulation. |
| Verticillium Wilt | Sudden wilting, yellowing, and dieback of one or more branches. | There is no cure. Prune out affected branches. Provide excellent care to reduce stress on the plant. If the plant dies, do not replant with another susceptible species. |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Monitor only; browned flowers after a late frost are cold damage rather than infection |
Making more Magnolia
Softwood Cuttings
- Take cuttings from new growth in early summer.
- Treat with a rooting hormone.
- Place under mist with bottom heat.
- Rooting can be difficult and slow.
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Use a strong rooting hormone and provide bottom heat
- Maintain high humidity under a dome or mist system
- Rooting is very slow and success rates can be low
Magnolia questions
How many types of Magnolia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 36 distinct Magnolia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Magnolia grow in?
Across its varieties, Magnolia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Magnolia bloom?
Most Magnolia varieties bloom in early spring, mid-spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Magnolia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.