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.

• Specimen lawn tree
• Foundation plantings
• Cottage gardens
• Asian-themed landscapes
• Entryway accent tree
• Mixed shrub borders
• Patio gardens
• Spring flowering displays

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.

The large fragrant flowers attract a variety of early-season pollinators.

• Native bees
• Beetles
• Early spring pollinating insects
• Beneficial garden insects

Magnolias are among the oldest flowering plants on Earth and evolved before bees became widespread, relying heavily on beetles for pollination.

The seeds produced after flowering are attractive to several bird species, while the branching structure provides shelter and nesting opportunities.

• Bird food source
• Nesting habitat
• Seasonal shelter
• Supports pollinator populations

Lily Magnolia has been cultivated in Chinese gardens for centuries and is highly valued in traditional landscape design. It became one of the parent species used to develop many of today's popular hybrid magnolias, including the famous Saucer Magnolia.

The flowers have long symbolized beauty, purity, dignity, and perseverance in Asian cultures.

• Native to China.
• One of the parent species of Saucer Magnolia.
• Flowers often appear before leaves emerge.
• Belongs to one of the oldest flowering plant families on Earth.
• Magnolias existed millions of years before bees evolved.

Plant Lily Magnolia where its spring blooms can be viewed from windows, patios, or walkways. The spectacular floral display lasts only a few weeks each year, so placing it in a prominent location maximizes its landscape impact.

Few ornamental trees can rival the breathtaking beauty of a Lily Magnolia in full bloom. Covered in hundreds of elegant tulip-shaped blossoms, it becomes the centerpiece of the spring garden. Its manageable size, reliable flowering, and rich history make Magnolia liliiflora an outstanding choice for homeowners seeking a truly memorable flowering tree.

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.

• Specimen lawn tree
• Estate landscapes
• Shade tree
• Street tree
• Southern gardens
• Park plantings
• Privacy screens
• Historic landscape restoration

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.

The enormous fragrant flowers attract a variety of pollinating insects.

• Native bees
• Beetles
• Beneficial insects
• Early and mid-season pollinators

Magnolias evolved long before bees became widespread and are among the oldest flowering plants known, relying heavily on beetles for pollination.

The bright red seeds produced in fall provide food for numerous bird species.

• Food source for songbirds
• Nesting habitat
• Year-round shelter
• Cover for wildlife
• Supports pollinator populations

Southern Magnolia is native to the southeastern United States and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the American South. It has been planted around homes, plantations, churches, and public buildings for centuries.

The species was named after French botanist Pierre Magnol, whose work helped establish the modern concept of plant families.

Southern Magnolia is the state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana, further cementing its place in Southern culture and history.

• Produces some of the largest flowers of any native North American tree.
• Flowers may reach 12 inches across.
• Leaves remain attractive throughout the year.
• Can live well over 100 years.
• Belongs to one of the oldest flowering plant lineages on Earth.

Choose a permanent planting location carefully. Southern Magnolias dislike root disturbance once established and reward thoughtful placement with decades of spectacular growth and flowering.

Few trees embody elegance quite like the Southern Magnolia. Its massive fragrant blossoms, glossy evergreen foliage, and stately form have captivated gardeners for generations. Whether planted as a lawn centerpiece, shade tree, or family heirloom for future generations, Magnolia grandiflora remains one of the most magnificent ornamental trees available for the landscape.

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.

• Specimen lawn tree
• Shade tree
• Estate landscapes
• Native plant gardens
• Parks and arboretums
• Wildlife habitat plantings
• Reforestation projects
• Historic landscapes

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.

The greenish-yellow flowers attract a variety of native pollinating insects.

• Native bees
• Beetles
• Beneficial insects
• Early-season pollinators

Like other magnolias, Cucumber Tree evolved before bees became widespread and retains a strong relationship with beetle pollinators.

The bright red seeds are highly attractive to birds and other wildlife.

• Food source for songbirds
• Shelter for wildlife
• Nesting habitat
• Supports pollinator populations
• Excellent native ecosystem tree

Cucumber Tree is one of the most important native magnolias in eastern North American forests. Its wood has historically been used for furniture, cabinetry, veneer, and specialty woodworking applications.

It is also of great horticultural importance because it contributed its cold-hardiness and yellow flower color to many modern hybrid magnolias.

• The largest native magnolia species in much of North America.
• Named for its cucumber-like immature fruits.
• Flowers are typically greenish-yellow rather than white or pink.
• Parent species of many yellow-flowered magnolia hybrids.
• Can live for well over 100 years.

Select a permanent planting location with ample room for future growth. Cucumber Trees develop extensive root systems and reward thoughtful placement with decades of beauty, shade, and wildlife value.

While many gardeners know magnolias for their spectacular flowers, the Cucumber Tree offers something even more impressive—a magnificent native shade tree that combines ornamental beauty, ecological importance, and remarkable longevity. Its unusual fruits, stately form, and wildlife benefits make Magnolia acuminata one of the finest native trees available for large landscapes.

Historical Seedman Fact: Cucumber Tree played an important role in the development of many modern yellow magnolia hybrids. Without this native American species, some of today's most popular yellow-flowering magnolias would not exist.