Magnolia trees are easily identifiable, as are their large white blooms; but when do magnolia trees bloom and how often can you expect this amazing display?
Magnolias can bloom anytime between February and June. This is a surprisingly long window of time. Different species of magnolias will bloom at different times. The climatic conditions can also affect when they bloom.
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Different Types Of Magnolia And When They Bloom
To understand magnolia blooms it’s crucial to learn about the different types, which are evergreen and deciduous.
Evergreen Magnolias
Some types of magnolia keep their large green leaves all year round. These are known as evergreen magnolias. The most iconic magnolia tree, Magnolia grandiflora, is what probably comes to mind with the word magnolia. This type of magnolia is common in the south.
It has large glossy leaves that it maintains all year, and large white blooms. The downside to this species is that it must be around 10 years old before it begins to bloom.
Magnolia. virginiana is much smaller than the grandiflora, which can grow to 40 feet wide. It’s an ideal choice for a smaller yard and gardens. It’s evergreen in the deep south, and deciduous in more temperate areas. However, it does have a better cold tolerance than grandiflora.
Saucer magnolias, technically known as Magnolia. x soulangeana, has the nickname tulip tree. These species have brightly colored flowers that are tulip-shaped, giving them their nickname.
These species typically bloom in May and June. A few species can bloom all through the summer.
Some of these are early flowers. They typically bloom in late winter, in February. Some may bloom in early spring, and appear in March. These early blooms can be destroyed by frost, but many people find the hope of early flowers worth the risk.
Decidious Magnolias
Decidious magnolias are more cold-hardy than evergreen varieties, which is ironic. These varieties include Kobus magnolia, known as Magnolia Kobus, Loebner magnolia, or Magnolia Loebneri, and Star Magnolia, or Magnolia Stellata. Star magnolias produce star shaped flowers. Some of these look similar to pink roses.
Decidious magnolias typically bloom in late winter or early spring. You can expect these varieties to bloom in February, March, or April.
They bloom before they regrow their leaves, which gives them a striking appearance. Some people love this look. The bare limbs bearing beautiful blooms can be breathtaking.
How Long Do Magnolia Blooms Last?
Magnolia blooms can last a few weeks or a few months, depending on the species. Some varieties will bloom through the summer months, while others may only bloom for part of a season.
Each bloom typically lasts for about two weeks. Then, the bloom will fall off, and be replaced by new blooms.
How to Keep Magnolias Blooming: 4 Easy Tips
If you want to keep your magnolias blooming as long as possible, there are a few steps you can take. Essentially, you simply need to provide the optimal conditions for your Magnolia.
1. Temperature
Buds can be damaged by frost or low temperatures. To protect your magnolias, keep them warm. They thrive in warm conditions, and will happily bloom.
Essentially, you’ll want to keep the buds from freezing. If the temperature drops to near freezing while the tree is blooming or budding, cover your magnolias if possible to avoid damaging the buds.
If the temperature is going to drop, you can take steps to protect the tree. First, mulch around the tree’s roots. This helps insulate it from the cold.
If the tree is small enough, cover the tree with plastic to prevent the frost from harming it.
Magnolias do well in zones 5-9. If you are in zone 7-9, you won’t need to concern yourself with winterizing. However, if you live in zone 5-6, you should winterize your magnolia to help it through the winter.
Cold hardy magnolias, including the star magnolias, can survive in zone 4 with little extra care.
2. Sunlight
Magnolias need lots of sunlight to produce and keep their blooms. Be sure your magnolias are in an area that gets plenty of sun. They can tolerate partial shade, but they prefer full sun.
3. Soil
Poor soil can slow your magnolia blooms, or cause them not to bloom at all. Magnolias prefer fertile soil that is neutral or slightly acidic. Mulching around the trees tree’s roots can help it maintain the correct moisture level.
Magnolias thrive in loamy or well-draining soil. They do require plenty of water, but they don’t do well with frequent soakings.
4. Water
Magnolias require frequent watering, particularly when they are in bloom. For the first two growing seasons, water the magnolia once a week. After the first two years, you can water the magnolia every two weeks during the growing season.
You’ll need to consider the soil as well. Well-draining or sandy soils require lighter watering more often. Clay or heavy soils require deep watering less often, because they retain more water.
How Old Are Magnolia Trees Before They Bloom?
Magnolia trees can take several years to bloom, depending on the species. Some species may bloom in 3 years, while others must be at least 10 years old to bloom.
Of course, magnolia trees commonly live for 120 years, so 10 years before blooming is not a long time, at least for the tree.
In Summary
When your magnolia will bloom depends on the species. Some early bloomers will bloom in February, while others will begin blooming in May or June.
You can keep your magnolia blooming longer by providing the right amount of sun and water. You’ll also need rich well draining soil, and warm temperatures to keep your magnolia in bloom.
