Genie Magnolia Tree

Magnolia x 'Genie'

Nature Hills Nursery

Columnar Genie Magnolia Blooms Reliably Even After Late Spring Frosts
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Deer Resistant, Pollution Tolerant
Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage
Showy Purple, Red Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring

$126¹⁷

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the best flower production and deep burgundy color, plant your Genie Magnolia in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct light daily. It can handle partial shade in hotter climates, though you may see slightly fewer blooms.
Soil: These trees love rich, organic soil that drains well but stays moist, similar to a wrung-out sponge. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost to improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, give your Genie Magnolia about 5 to 10 gallons of water per week to help the root system settle into its new home. Once established, this variety is quite resilient, but inconsistent watering during summer dry spells can lead to smaller flowers or premature leaf drop. Aim for deep, infrequent soakings at the base of the tree rather than light sprinkles to encourage deep root growth.

Pruning Tips

Genie Magnolias bloom on old wood, so the best time to prune is immediately after the spring flowers have faded. Think of pruning like a light grooming to remove crossing branches or to maintain its tidy, pyramidal shape. Avoid pruning late in the summer or fall, as you will accidentally cut off the flower buds already forming for next year's display.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for acid loving plants in early spring just as the leaf buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is easily damaged by winter cold, which can stress the overall health of your tree.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fragrant, Flowering, Thornless, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Fast-growing
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	9-11 ft
Width	4-6 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Purple, Red
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Magnolia
Botanical Name	Magnolia x 'Genie'
Species	x
Cultivar	Genie
Class	Liliopsida, Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Your wish for a Saucer Magnolia that blooms even in cold springs is granted. Columnar Genie Magnolia PP#20,748 (Magnolia x 'Genie') makes a wonderfully showy specimen tree without taking up much room!

Count on a show of oversized and scented burgundy flowers each spring. Genie is a natural hybrid Saucer Magnolia that was specifically bred for reliable flowering performance...even when spring frosts hit late.

Watch in late winter for the fuzzy, swelling buds. They'll soon reveal an exceptionally dramatic wine-dark color with black overtones! Held on the bare gray branches, the flowers open into wide, Tulip-shaped blooms in early spring. Genie flowers feature up to 12 purple-red tepals that lighten at their reflexed tips!

After the first flush of flowers is faded, Genie develops commanding foliage with a strong mid-rib. Each leaf is glossy green on top, with a pretty silvery underside. The Genie Magnolia looks amazing all season long. Keep your eyes out for recurrent blooms throughout the mid-summer.

Genie is one of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Societies Gold Medal Plant winners for 2024! Cold and heat tolerant throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 9, these are fantastic flowering Magnolias that bring in the pollinators and loads of attention each spring!

Planting and Application:

Be astounded by this narrow columnar tree's ability to fit into almost any landscape. Genie's petite size makes it natural for the front yard but looks great incorporated into mixed borders. Several can be used as an effective backdrop, too. This Genie bestows an exceptional accent in even the smallest gardens!

Grow them in large resin containers to decorate a rented balcony and delight your guests! Pot up yours in a large raised planter to add height to your front and backyard landscaping beds, and quickly become the crown jewel of your design!

The ideal front yard specimen or street tree, Flowering Magnolia trees handle urban environments and city lots! Growing just 10 feet tall and spreading just 5 feet wide.

Large Scented Rich Maroon-Purple Blooms
Repeat Blooms Through Growing Season
Large, Shiny Green Leaves are Silvery Underneath
Excellent Narrow Columnar Form Fits Anywhere
Tree Form Can Be Grown in Extra-Large Containers
Perfect Choice for Small Space Gardens
Specimens, Street & Lawn Trees

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Magnolia trees need full sun to bloom their best and grow best in organically rich well-drained soil. Provide a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around their root systems, as long as the mulch isn't up against the trunk. Water regularly during their first year in the ground, but once established should only need extra watering during extended drought. Prune to control the size or remove dead limbs after flowering in the spring.

Full Sun
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune After Flowering
Saucer Magnolia Resists Frost
Long-Lived & Easy Care

Don't let our limited inventory of Genie Magnolia Trees get away from you and leave you disappointed. Order yours today at NatureHills.com!

Tree Form vs. Shrub Form

The details make all the difference in a garden. At Naturehills.com, we understand that little things like what form a plant is can greatly impact how you plan your landscape. So before you buy, don’t forget to check which form you’re getting.

Tree Form:

These are plants that have one stem coming from the ground. Plants can also be considered single stem when lower branches are removed to raise the height of the branching to a more desired height. Sometimes, you will hear a tree form referred to as a single stem.

Shrub Form:

These are bushy plants with many stems and branches close to the ground. They are referred to as shrubs or bushes and are often shorter than their tree forms.

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Genie Magnolia is a wonderful addition to any landscape, joining our collection of beautiful magnolia trees and flowering trees that provide exceptional spring blooms. This compact variety works well in smaller spaces while still delivering the classic magnolia appeal, making it perfect for gardeners exploring zone 5 plants, trees & shrubs and zone 6 plants, trees & shrubs. For proper care and maintenance tips, check out our guide on How to Take Care of Magnolia Trees and learn about seasonal changes in Southern Magnolia Trees Drop Leaves in Spring.

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does the Genie Magnolia get at maturity in height and width?

The Genie Magnolia reaches 10 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide at maturity. This columnar growth habit makes it perfect for narrow spaces, small gardens, or container growing. Plant it where you want dramatic spring color without sacrificing precious yard space.

Will the Genie Magnolia fit in my small garden or yard?

Genie Magnolia grows just 10 feet tall with a narrow columnar shape, making it perfect for small spaces. This compact magnolia thrives in zones 5-9 and works beautifully as a front yard specimen or even in large containers. Shop at Nature Hills for this space-saving spring bloomer.

What type of soil does the Genie Magnolia prefer, like acidic or well-drained?

Genie Magnolia thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with good organic content. Like most magnolias, it prefers consistent moisture but won't tolerate waterlogged conditions. Plant in zones 5-9 and amend heavy clay soils with compost for best results.

How do I prune the Genie Magnolia to maintain its shape?

Genie Magnolia's natural columnar form requires minimal pruning to maintain its 10-foot narrow shape. Prune immediately after spring flowering ends to avoid removing next year's buds. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and avoid heavy pruning since magnolias heal slowly.

Is the Genie Magnolia cold hardy in zone 5 winters?

Yes, Genie Magnolia is cold hardy in zone 5 winters and was specifically bred for reliable flowering even when late spring frosts hit. This hardy magnolia thrives in USDA zones 5-9. Shop at Nature Hills for this Gold Medal winner that delivers consistent spring blooms in challenging climates.

Can the Genie Magnolia tolerate heat and drought once established?

The Genie Magnolia is heat tolerant throughout USDA zones 5-9, but like most magnolias, it prefers consistent moisture rather than drought conditions. Once established, it can handle some dry periods but performs best with regular watering during hot summers. Mulch around the base and provide supplemental water during extended dry spells for optimal flowering.

How is the Genie Magnolia shipped, and what size do plants arrive in?

Genie Magnolia trees are shipped as bare root or potted plants depending on season and availability. Most arrive as young specimens ready for immediate planting in your landscape. Check your specific order for exact sizing details, as plant dimensions vary by growing season and stock availability.

Is the Genie Magnolia resistant to common pests, diseases, or deer?

Genie Magnolia has good general disease resistance typical of hybrid magnolias, though it's not specifically marketed as deer resistant. Its urban tolerance suggests resilience against common environmental stresses in zones 5-9. Plant in well-draining soil and provide good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.