- Magnolia
Botanical name: magnolia grandiflora
Beginner friendly?: yes
Average size at maturity: 90 – 120 ft and a 33 ft spread
Bloom time: early – mid summer
Hardy zone: zones 7-10
Flower color: white/cream
Foliage color: green/brown
Growth rate: grows about 2 ft a year
Pruning instructions: shape as needed, save heavy pruning for the late winter
Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge
Landscape use: shade, large focal point
Light needs: 8 hours of sun a day
Special features: low maintenance and disease resistant
Watering instructions: water 1 – 2 times a week for the first growing season, drought tolerant once established
Fertilizing instructions : apply organic fertilizer in the spring
Best time to plant: spring – late fall
Best type of soil: loam
Companion plants: ferns, azaleas, bleeding heart, daffodils
Toxicity level: mildly toxic for humans and pets if ingested
Invasive species: no