Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) is one of the most elegant flowering small trees available for the landscape. Native to southwestern China, this ornamental magnolia is treasured for its spectacular tulip-shaped blooms that appear in spring before or alongside the emerging foliage. The rich pink, purple, rose, or reddish-purple flowers create a dazzling display that transforms the garden into a showpiece of color.

Unlike the massive Southern Magnolias of the American South, Lily Magnolia remains compact and manageable, making it an excellent choice for home landscapes, foundation plantings, cottage gardens, and specimen lawns. Its graceful branching structure and prolific spring flowering have made it a favorite among gardeners for generations.

• Botanical Name: Magnolia liliiflora
• Common Names: Lily Magnolia, Mulan Magnolia, Purple Magnolia
• Plant Type: Flowering Deciduous Tree or Large Shrub
• Mature Height: 8 to 15 feet
• Mature Spread: 8 to 12 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• USDA Zones: 5-9

Lily Magnolia is ideal for smaller landscapes where its spring blooms can be appreciated up close. It serves as a stunning focal point and provides exceptional seasonal interest.

For best flowering performance, plant Lily Magnolia where it receives protection from strong winds. Late spring frosts may occasionally damage flower buds in colder regions, so sheltered locations are preferred.

Magnolia seeds require a period of cold stratification before germination.

• Remove any fleshy seed coating.
• Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
• Place in moist peat moss or vermiculite.
• Cold stratify for 90 to 120 days at 34-40°F.
• Sow ½ inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix.
• Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F after planting.
• Germination may take 30-90 days.

Lily Magnolia grows best in rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil with regular moisture. It appreciates mulching around the root zone to maintain cool soil temperatures and conserve moisture.

• Prefers fertile soils
• Moderate moisture requirements
• Excellent ornamental value
• Low maintenance once established
• Rarely troubled by serious pests

Pruning is seldom necessary except to remove damaged or crossing branches after flowering.

Young Lily Magnolias can be grown in large decorative containers for several years. Their relatively compact size makes them one of the better magnolia species for patio and courtyard gardens, although long-term performance is best when planted in the ground.

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is one of the most iconic and beloved flowering trees of the American South. Famous for its enormous creamy-white blossoms, glossy evergreen foliage, and stately appearance, this magnificent tree has been a symbol of grace, hospitality, and Southern charm for centuries. Few landscape trees can rival its combination of beauty, fragrance, longevity, and year-round appeal.

During late spring and summer, Southern Magnolia produces spectacular flowers that may reach 8 to 12 inches across. These highly fragrant blooms fill the air with a sweet lemon-like perfume and contrast beautifully against the tree's dark green leaves. The undersides of the leaves are often covered with a rich rusty-brown fuzz, adding additional ornamental interest.

• Botanical Name: Magnolia grandiflora
• Common Names: Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay Magnolia
• Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Tree
• Mature Height: 40 to 80 feet
• Mature Spread: 20 to 50 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• USDA Zones: 6-10

Southern Magnolia is one of the finest specimen trees available for lawns and large landscapes. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure while its massive flowers create unforgettable seasonal displays.

Allow plenty of room when planting Southern Magnolia. Mature trees develop broad canopies and extensive root systems. Lower branches often sweep gracefully toward the ground and contribute significantly to the tree's natural beauty.

Magnolia seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy.

• Remove the red fleshy coating from fresh seeds.
• Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
• Place in moist peat moss or vermiculite.
• Cold stratify for 90 to 120 days at 34-40°F.
• Sow ½ inch deep in well-drained soil.
• Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F.
• Germination may occur over several weeks to several months.

Southern Magnolia thrives in rich, fertile, slightly acidic soils but adapts to many soil types once established. It appreciates regular moisture during establishment but becomes surprisingly resilient with age.

• Prefers well-drained soils
• Excellent heat tolerance
• Moderate drought tolerance when mature
• Adaptable to urban environments
• Long-lived and durable

Mulching around the root zone helps conserve moisture and promotes healthy growth.

Young Southern Magnolias can be grown in large containers for several years. Due to their eventual size, however, they are best planted in the landscape where they can develop into majestic specimen trees.

Historical Seedman Fact: Southern Magnolia is the official state flower of Mississippi, making it especially beloved throughout the region. Many historic Southern homes still feature magnolias planted more than a century ago, standing as living landmarks that continue to bloom each year.

Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata) is one of North America's largest native magnolias and a majestic shade tree prized for its handsome foliage, unusual fruit, wildlife value, and impressive size. Unlike many magnolias grown primarily for their flowers, the Cucumber Tree is valued as much for its stately presence and landscape performance as for its blooms. Native to the eastern United States, this magnificent species can become a towering specimen that provides beauty, shade, and ecological benefits for generations.

The common name comes from its distinctive immature fruits, which resemble small green cucumbers hanging from the branches. These unusual fruits eventually mature to attractive red seed clusters that are highly favored by birds and wildlife.

• Botanical Name: Magnolia acuminata
• Common Names: Cucumber Tree, Cucumber Magnolia
• Plant Type: Deciduous Shade Tree
• Mature Height: 50 to 80 feet
• Mature Spread: 30 to 50 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• USDA Zones: 4-8

Cucumber Tree is an excellent choice for large properties where its impressive size and stately form can be fully appreciated.

This species eventually becomes a large forest-sized tree and should be planted where it has adequate room to mature. Unlike many ornamental magnolias, Cucumber Tree develops into a substantial shade tree capable of living for many decades.

Magnolia seeds require a period of cold stratification before germination.

• Remove the fleshy red seed coating.
• Soak seeds for 24 hours.
• Place in moist peat moss or vermiculite.
• Cold stratify for 90 to 120 days at 34-40°F.
• Sow approximately ½ inch deep.
• Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F after planting.
• Germination may occur over several weeks or months.

Cucumber Tree thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils and appreciates regular moisture, especially during establishment. It performs particularly well in deep woodland soils and areas receiving consistent rainfall.

• Prefers fertile, slightly acidic soils
• Tolerates partial shade
• Excellent cold hardiness
• Long-lived species
• Low maintenance once established

Mulching around the root zone helps conserve moisture and encourages vigorous growth.

Due to its eventual size, Cucumber Tree is not recommended for long-term container culture. Seedlings may be grown in containers for several years before transplanting into the landscape.