Magnolia is a flowering tree. This tree produces large flowers that are usually in the shape of a star or resemble a tulip. An interesting aspect of magnolia is that it does not have petals or sepals like most flowers. It has tepals instead! Depending on the species magnolia ranges from being large bushes to big trees. The tree can grow up to 80 feet in height. There are different species of plants that produce different types of flowers. Each of these types has its own characteristics. The article takes a look at the different types of magnolia flowers.
1. Southern Magnolia
Among the various types of magnolia flowers, the most common is the Southern Magnolia. In general, when people refer to a magnolia tree, they are most probably referring to this one. Magnolia grandiflora produces flowers that are large and creamy-white in color. These flowers bloom during early summer or late spring. This is one of the largest species of magnolia. The tree grows between 60 to 80 feet in height. This tree grows the best in partial shade. The flower of this tree is the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana.
2. Star Magnolia
If you are wondering which of the various types of magnolia flowers produces star-shaped flowers, then this is it! The Star magnolia is known for its star-shaped flowers that are white in color. Magnolia stellata is a large shrub that flowers during the end of winter or early spring. It is usually one of the first flowering plants to bloom in spring. The large shrub or small tree can grow up to 20 feet high. It requires partial shade and the full sun for optimum growth. It needs protection from the winter when it is planted newly.
3. Anise Magnolia
Magnolia salicifolia or Anise magnolia has leaves that resemble that of the willow tree. This is why this tree is also referred to as willow-leaf magnolia. This tree produces white flowers. The fragrance is acidic. The flowers grow up to six inches in width. This is a magnolia species that requires full exposure to the sun for its optimum growth. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall. Spring is when this tree unleashes its colorful blooms. The fall color is golden yellow. This tree is a native of Japan.
4. Saucer magnolia
The saucer-shaped flowers of this plant give it its name. The white flowers of this tree have a pinkish interior. Magnolia x soulangiana is also known as the pink magnolia tree. This is also called the tulip tree because the flowers resemble the tulip in shape. It is one of the most common types of magnolia flowers that you will see in the US. The plant was created by crossing the Lily magnolia and the Yulan magnolia species. It blooms in early spring. The large shrub grows between 20 to 25 feet tall. It requires full sun exposure for best growth.
5. Sweetbay magnolia
Magnolia virginiana is called by many names. Known as swamp magnolia, beaver tree, or laurel magnolia, it is most commonly referred to as sweetbay magnolia. The flowers of the shrub are waxy white. This is a highly adaptable species and can grow in both warm and cold climates. It grows usually up to 35 feet. The lemony fragrance of this shrub attracts birds to it. This species blooms from mid-summer until early autumn. Full sun to partial shade exposure is needed for best growth.
6. Lily magnolia
Magnolia liliiflora is a shrub that is well-known for its pink or reddish-purple flowers. The pleasant fragrance of these flowers makes it a popular magnolia species. The lily magnolia is a parent species of the saucer magnolia. The shrub grows to a height of around 9 to 12 feet. It requires the full sun to part shade for best growth. This is one of the smaller magnolia plants. The plant blooms during early spring. This small tree is native to China.
7. Kobus magnolia
Magnolia Kobus is also referred to as Japanese magnolia. It a deciduous tree found in the forest areas of Japan. It is pyramidal in shape when it is young. As it grows, it developed into a large and round form. The flowers of the Kobus tree are white with a tinge of pink. This is a small tree that is preferred when early flowering is the need. It can grow anywhere from 25 to 50 feet and may form multiple trunks. It blooms during late winter and early spring.
8. Loebner magnolia
The Kobus magnolia and the star magnolia were crossed to create this particular species of magnolia. Magnolia x loebner is a hybrid that is well-known for its fragrant flowers. The leaves of this tree are usually oval. The flowers they produce can be white and pink, or lilac in color. The flowers are star-shaped because of the parent species. They usually bloom in spring well before the leaves grow. It can grow from 20 to 30 feet. It requires the full sun to part shade for optimal growth.
9. Jane magnolia
Jane magnolia is a hybrid plant. It is referred to as a little girl magnolia because of its size. It usually appears as a small tree or a large deciduous shrub. Also known as the Jane Platt tree, a distinct feature of this species of magnolia is that it cannot survive with too much water. Early spring is when this magnolia blooms. The flowers are pink or reddish-purple in color. The flower shapes resemble a tulip. It grows around 10 to 15 feet in height. It requires full sun for best growth.
10. Cucumber magnolia
Magnolia acuminata is also called the cucumber tree. If the flowers are allowed to grow to fruit, they resemble cucumbers. This explains the name of this fruit. This is a North American tree found in the Appalachian mountains. These trees flourish in cold weather. The flowers are greenish-yellow in color. They bloom during late spring. The shape of these flowers resembles a tulip. These trees prefer full sun or partial shade. They usually grow between 40 to 70 feet in height.
11. Bigleaf magnolia
One of the various types of magnolia flowers is Magnolia macrophylla. This magnolia species are commonly referred to as the big leaf magnolia. This is because the tree produces large leaves that sometimes are 32 inches long. It is a deciduous tree. The bigleaf magnolia blooms usually in late spring. The flowers are white with a purple tinge at the base. Just like the leaves, the flowers are large and grow up to 10 inches. The tree grows between 40 to 60 feet in height and can extend up to 60 feet.
12. Ashes magnolia
Magnolia ashei or Ashe’s magnolia can grow to be a small tree or large shrub. This is decided based on how it is pruned. The tree is named after William Williard Ashe who worked for the United States Forest Service. The plant is known to have very large leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long. The flowers of this species are white in color. The petals can grow up to a foot long. They usually bloom in spring after the flowers grow. The tree can grow up to 30 feet in height. Some botanists consider it a subspecies of the bigleaf magnolia.
13. Umbrella magnolia
This is another of the types of magnolia flowers that have a unique shape. Magnolia tripetala has large flowers up to 10 inches. They are creamy-white in color. The flowers of this tree bloom during late spring or early summer. The tree is known for having large leaves that are 24 inches long. The entire structure resembles an umbrella, which explains its name. The small tree has multiple stems. The flowers are mildly fragrant. The tree grows anywhere from 15 to 30 feet. This is one of the species that grows even in shade.
14. Butterflies magnolia
This is a hybrid variety of magnolia that can be grown as a large shrub or a small tree. The species is known for its yellowish flowers. The flower after blooming resembles a butterfly. The tree can grow both in cold weather and in hot water.
15. Champak magnolia
These trees grow more in humid climates. They are native of South Asia. They are known for the fragrant yellowish flowers. The flowers can also be orange in color. The tree can grow up to 30 feet in height. The article on types of magnolia flowers listed some of the popular species. The magnolia is a well-liked flowering tree because of its fragrant flowers that are usually white or pink. These trees are the oldest ones known to humankind. Named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol, they do not produce nectar. They produce pollen and are generally pollinated by beetles. The magnolia is a good tree to include in gardens if you want beautiful flowers and a pleasant fragrance.
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