Evergreen Trees (Flowering) – 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