The Bigleaf Magnolias For Tropical Accent

Bigleaf magnolia at Biltmore Estates

Bigleaf magnolias represent four species: (Magnolia macrophylla), umbrella magnolia (M. tripetala), Fraser magnolia (M. fraseri), and Ashe magnolia (M. ashei). All are medium-size trees with huge leaves and large flowers that appear after the leaves unfurl. Bigleaf magnolia is native to the southeastern United States as far north to Ohio (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). A mature tree attains heights of 30 to 40 feet and develops an irregular pyramidal form. In the northern areas the tree is deciduous and semi-evergreen in the southeastern U.S.

A tree may take 10 or more years before first blooms develop. Goblet-shaped flowers are creamy white, are rose-purple at the petal base, and over 12 inches across. They open in early summer, mostly high inside the tree and mostly hidden within the dense foliage. Up close, flowers are pleasantly fragrant. Fruit is round to cone-shaped, rose-colored, and nearly 3 inches long; they're unique, persistent, and attract numerous bird species. When cones open, each red coated seed is held by a thin silk-like thread.

Leaves are alternate, simple, 12 to 36 inches long, and 7 to 12 inches wide. They’re bright green on the upper surface and silvery gray beneath. Petioles are 2 to 4 inches long. Their yellow fall color rarely stands out. Leaves are intolerant of most urban pollutants.

Their enormous size foliage make them true horticultural oddities. Fall foliage drops, creates lots of leaf litter and decomposes slowly. The leaf debris may cover over or smother some types of ground covers. Weak branches and huge leaves should be sheltered from wind and ice storms.