If you are in a mood to create a style statement in your garden by planting some of the unique species of plants, we have one great option for you. You must have heard about the majestic Magnolia that is prized worldwide for their Grandiflora. Being native to the southeastern United States, they are known for having glossy and leathery leaves; impressive white and pink elegant flowers. It is something that represents poise and grace with an attractive covering of gold to copper to brown felt-like hairs. These ornamental evergreen trees are normally suitable for colder climates. But some species are quite adaptive and change their growth habits depending on the environment and climate. They act as evergreen or deciduous, depending upon the region they are growing in. Just make sure that when you plant them, the soil you use has good drainage. Below are listed some of the Magnolia species you can have for your garden space.
Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)
As Magnolias are known for having large, leathery leaves, this particular variety stands true to its name while correctly representing this worldwide famous family of trees and shrubs. Bigleaf Magnolia produces leaves that are up to 32 inches long and has properties quite similar to other species of this big family. It is a deciduous tree that may act as somewhat evergreen in the warmer regions. The 10-inches wide blooms normally start to appear in the month of May and have white shade with purple petal bases.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Height: 30 to 40 feet; occasionally to 60 feet
Ashe’s Magnolia (Magnolia ashei)
These plants requiring very little care can act either as a large shrub or a small tree. It totally depends on the way they are being pruned. They have acquired their name from the United States Forest Service that has named it in honor of Willian Willard Ashe. Due to its nature of having long leaves that are up to 2 feet long, it is considered as a subspecies of bigleaf magnolia sometimes. Ashe’s magnolia generally has light-green leaves in the spring season that blooms flowers, later on, having petals up to 1 foot long.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Height: up to 30 feet
Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora)
You may not be aware of the fact that magnolias are resistant to pests and diseases, making them efficient enough to be grown in home gardens. Now when we talk about Lily Magnolias, they are one of those species that are smaller than the usual ones and are grown as a shrub or small tree. Before the blooming season of Spring, these luscious shrubs carry flowers that are pink or reddish-purple and gives out a light perfumed scent. And during Spring, elliptical leaves of dark green color begins to appear. They surely make your garden look super-gorgeous.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Height: 8 to 12 feet
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
These plants that provide you with year-round beauty has a certain aura that is quite poetic in nature. And whenever people talk about magnolias, the first plant that pops in your mind is the southern magnolia. This charming species is the state flower of Mississippi and Lousiana. It truly represents the family it belongs to. You need to have a large space to grow this massive evergreen tree. The leaves of the tree are up to 10 inches long and quite large in size. And during the late spring, the flowers that appear on the trees grow up to 12 inches long in a classic white color. They grow best in part shade while most magnolias prefer full sun.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Height: 60 to 80 feet