(© 1999 Linda Saxon Nix)

The Magnolia Society	The Magnolia Society (TMS) is an international nonprofit plant society founded in 1963 for the purpose of promoting education and exchange of information on these beautiful plants. I used to be a member, but I've never written for advice. They are a very scholarly bunch and know more than I could ever imagine. Maybe they can answer your questions.
Botany.com - Magnolias	Encyclopedia of Plants provides information regarding the general description of the plants, the various methods of cultivation, such as indoor or outdoor planting, soil and temperature requirements, pruning, and other important details, the means of propagation (seeds, cuttings, division, etc.), and the different varieties and hybrids. This page is about Magnolias.
Encyclopedia: Magnolia	Classification and selected species of Magnolias
State Trees and Flowers	The Mississippi state tree and flower is the magnolia. This lists the trees and flowers for every state and when adopted. From the United States National Arboretum.
Plant Profiles: Magnolia	From Ketzel Levine's Talking Plants - Several magnolias are described.
Clemson University Home and Garden Information Center	Discusses the three main varieties of magnolias; mentions others. Excellent article about cultivars.
How to Plant and Care For a Magnolia	Amy Cook's article on how to plant and care for the magnolia at About.Com.
Timely Horticulture Tips: Growing Southern Magnolias	An extensive guide to growing the Southern Magnolia by Gary Wade, Extension Agent, University Of Georgia
Magnolias to Wear	A place to order magnolia T-shirts, lotions, gels, etc. (Yes, I got this question, too <g>.)
Fairest Flower of the South	This week at Hilton Pond - A little bit of history and life cycle of the magnolia.
Magnolia Questions and Answers	From the United States National Arboretum
Magnificent Magnolias	The best Magnolia cultivars for Alabama from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
More Zones	Which magnolias grow in which zones and in what areas.
Cultivars	Cultivars of all types of magnolias
Cultivars	The Girl Magnolias
Southern Magnolia Tree Seeds	I've gotten this request many times, and it is the first time I've seen seeds available on the Internet. Try at your own risk - this listing is not an endorsement of the source.
My Little Gems	Experiences with my Little Gem Magnolias
Questions and Answers	Answers to some of the questions I have gotten about magnolias.
Greer Gardens	Magnolia Hybrids, Species & Cultivars - Photos and Ordering Information
Purchasing Magnolia Cultivars or Varieties	Do an Internet Search, and search for "Magnolia Nurseries", "Magnolia Plants", "Magnolia Cultivars" and you will find that there are several places around the US that sell magnolias, but expect to pay a hefty price, especially after shipping has been added. Remember, though, a good magnolia is worth the price if you love magnolias.
Garden Time Online	A site that has many links on trees such as how to trim, how to stake, how to care for and cultivate, common and scientific names, and much more. Not specifically about magnolias, but you will surely be able to find answers to some of your questions.
Growing Magical Magnolias	A nice site about Canadian Cultivars with a lot of great information.

As of 4/27/06, all of these links work, and have a world of information if you will just browse through them.

Other Pertinent Magnolia Information: 

How to purchase a magnolia tree: One thing to consider in purchasing a magnolia is that if you don't see any of the type you want already growing in your area, maybe they aren't suitable for that area. Usually magnolias are showcased and sold when they are blooming, so check your local nurseries, and places such as Lowe's, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart during springtime and when they are blooming. I suggest you look at your local area nurseries in the spring of the year when magnolias are usually available. Plants are most generally available at the most optimum planting time for a particular area, or when they are in bloom. Beware, however, if the tag simply says, "Magnolia" or "Southern Magnolia". Unless it is a cultivar (a named magnolia), it probably won't bloom for years - maybe 15 - 20 years. You will get better and more accurate information if you call a local nursery, or contact your local county extension agent (associated with your state agricultural college or university, and there is one in every county), or by simply observing what is growing in your area. Your best bet in finding information about which magnolia cultivars will grow in your area or growing zone, which ones are available, and how to care for them would be to contact your county extension agent or visit a local nursery. Almost every state has an agent in every county, and they will be the experts on plants and trees for your area. You may also want to do an Internet search go find nurseries where you can order your trees. What I learned about Magnolia grandifloras and Little Gems from experience: Make sure you have plenty of space to allow them to spread naturally. Plant them in full sun for optimum blooms. From experience, those that are growing in shade won't bloom. I have a magnolia that has sun and open space on one side; the other side is totally covered by taller trees and gets no sun. I've never seen a blossom on the side in total shade. Water daily if you have well-drained soil, especially the first year. They don't like poor drainage. Mulch them to hold in moisture. Fertilize with liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, preferably an acidic type of fertilizer for the first year or two when small. After a few years, give them granular fertilizer several times during the growing season. When you first plant them, and especially if you transplant smaller trees to a different place, use Schultz Starter Plus Root Stimulator. Water regularly in dry weather. Do not trim the lower branches. Plant where you have room for the limbs to spread. If you want a shade tree, get an oak, or an elm, or something that you normally trim the bottom limbs off, but if you have a magnolia, it should never be pruned. Let the lower limbs stay to cover the trunk like an ante-bellum lady's hoop skirt covered her legs and feet. My husband got in big trouble when he trimmed the branches off the lower part of my tree. He ruined it! Love your magnolia tree. You will make it happy and it will make you happy.

If you didn't find the answers on this page or the above links, you may want to do a
search on the Internet or go to a good library and do some research. Please don't e-mail me asking me
what to do about your magnolia tree. The extent of my knowledge is listed on this
page and on the two pages I created below:

Evolution of a Magnolia Blossom

Magnolia Questions and Answers Page

So, that's all, folks!

Some of the links listed above have more detailed information on magnolia planting and care.
More Magnolia Pages - Choose a Link:

The Essence of Magnolias	The Essence - Page 2 -Links	The Evolution of a Magnolia Blossom
Magnolia Photos	Purchase Magnolia Images	Fragrance of a Magnolia
Original Magnolia Paintings	Questions and Answers about Magnolias	Southern Creations Web Site

 

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