Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Magnolia.
Magnolia
Pronounced mag-NOH-lee-uh
Also known as Magnolia, Michelia, Tulip Magnolia
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Magnolias are stunning trees or shrubs known for their large, fragrant blossoms. They have been around for millions of years and add a touch of elegance to any landscape. You will love how they transform your garden when they bloom in the spring.
At a glance
- Care level
- Moderate
- Plant type
- Tree or shrub
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Indoor light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Every 7 to 14 days
- Mature size
- 20 to 80 feet depending on species
- Growth rate
- Medium
Care
Plant them in a spot with rich, well-draining soil and plenty of room to spread out. Keep an eye on the leaves for yellowing, which often signals that the soil pH is too high. Mulch around the base to keep the roots cool and moist.
- Watering
- Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
- Feeding
- Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pruning
- Prune lightly right after flowering to shape the plant and remove dead wood.
- Repotting
- Only repot if the plant has clearly outgrown its container.
- Soil
- Acidic, loamy, well-draining soil
- Soil pH
- 5.0 to 6.5
Safety
- Pets
- Magnolias are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How to identify it
- Large, showy, fragrant flowers
- Leathery, dark green leaves
- Sturdy, woody branches
- Conelike fruit structures
Problems to watch for
Check your magnolia from a photo
Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.
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Science
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Genus
- Magnolia
- Order
- Magnoliales
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Keep your magnolia growing
This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.
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This guide was generated with AI on and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.