Magnolia Trees

Magnolia Trees for Sale: Buy 200+ Varieties Online at Nature Hills

Pink tulip-shaped magnolia flower blooming on bare branches in early spring

Looking to buy a Magnolia tree online? You've come to the right place. Nature Hills Nursery offers America's largest selection of Magnolia trees for sale, with over 200 varieties for USDA Zones 4-10. Whether you need a cold-hardy Star Magnolia for northern gardens or a classic Southern Magnolia for warmer climates, we've got you covered.

Why choose Nature Hills for your Magnolia tree? Every tree is professionally grown, ships with our plant guarantee, and arrives ready to thrive in your landscape. Plus, enjoy free shipping on qualified orders delivered right to your door.

Magnolias have graced gardens for over 100 million years, making them one of nature's oldest flowering plants. Today's varieties offer stunning spring blooms in white, pink, purple, yellow, and red, with flowers featuring up to 18 tepals (fused petals and sepals) that emerge before the leaves for maximum impact.

Shop Magnolia Trees by Your Needs

Cold-Hardy Magnolias (Zones 4-6)

Northern gardeners can enjoy beautiful Magnolia blooms with these cold-hardy varieties that withstand harsh winters:

Royal Star Magnolia - Early white blooms with strappy petals (Zone 4-8)
Jane Magnolia - Purple-red flowers, blooms late to avoid frost (Zone 4-8)
Ann Magnolia - Compact size with reddish-purple blooms (Zone 4-8)

These deciduous varieties are perfect for creating spring focal points in northern landscapes. They bloom reliably each year, even after cold winters, and grow 1-2 feet annually when young.

Evergreen Magnolias for Year-Round Beauty (Zones 7-10)

Large white fragrant Southern Magnolia flower with glossy evergreen leaves

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is the iconic evergreen shade tree celebrated as the state tree of Louisiana and Mississippi. These majestic trees provide:

Year-round glossy green foliage
Large, fragrant white flowers from May through September
Impressive shade for lawns and landscapes
Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established

Popular evergreen varieties:

D.D. Blanchard Magnolia - Classic large shade tree (60-80 feet)
Green Giant Magnolia - Fast-growing statement tree
Little Gem Magnolia - Compact evergreen perfect for small yards (15-25 feet)

Dwarf Magnolia Trees for Small Gardens & Containers

Compact Jane Magnolia tree with pink tulip-shaped flowers in small garden setting

Don't have room for a large tree? No problem. These compact Magnolia varieties thrive in small yards, courtyards, and even large containers:

Betty Magnolia - Purple outside, white inside with purple reflex (8-15 feet)
Genie Magnolia - Bold color in a petite package (10-15 feet)
Kay Parris Magnolia - Columnar shape with white flowers, perfect for narrow spaces

These "Little Girl Series" varieties bloom later in spring, avoiding late frost damage. Grow them as single-trunk ornamental trees or as multi-stem flowering shrubs for privacy screening. Many gardeners choose these as memorial trees for their manageable size and reliable spring beauty.

When Do Magnolia Trees Bloom?

Bloom time varies by variety and climate:

Early Spring (March-April): Star Magnolia, Royal Star Magnolia
Mid-Spring (April-May): Saucer Magnolia, Little Girl Series (Ann, Jane, Betty)
Late Spring-Summer (May-September): Southern Magnolia (evergreen types)

Most deciduous Magnolias bloom on bare branches before leaves emerge, creating an unforgettable spring spectacle. Their tulip-like flowers appear from fuzzy buds resembling Pussy Willows and are often fragrant. After blooming, distinctive orange seedpods develop, giving some varieties the nickname "cucumber tree" while providing food for local songbirds.

Where to Plant Magnolia Trees

Mature Magnolia tree providing shade in residential landscape with companion plantings

Magnolias need full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Here's how to choose the perfect spot:

For large Southern Magnolias: Plant at least 20-50 feet from your house to accommodate their mature spread (40+ feet). These make stunning lawn specimens or border trees. Their strong root systems can handle grass competition, but mulching is preferred for healthier growth.

For smaller deciduous varieties: Use as focal points near patios, along property lines, or in mixed borders where you'll enjoy their spring show. Space trees 10-20 feet apart for hedging or 40+ feet for single specimens.

Companion plants that work well under Magnolias:

Hostas for shade-loving foliage
Ferns for texture and moisture retention
Azaleas for complementary spring blooms

Container growing tip: Compact varieties like Little Gem, Kay Parris, and the Little Girl Series can be grown successfully in large containers (minimum 20-gallon pots). Use well-draining potting soil and water when the top 2-3 inches feel dry.

Magnolia Tree Care: Planting & Maintenance

Read our complete care guide on the #ProPlantTips blog for detailed instructions.

Planting your Magnolia:

Plant container-grown trees anytime during the growing season; bareroot trees in spring
Choose a sunny site (6+ hours for evergreens, 4-6 hours for deciduous) with well-draining soil
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball but 2-3 times wider
Water thoroughly after planting and apply 3 inches of arborist mulch (keep away from trunk)
Water regularly for the first two years until established

Soil requirements: Magnolias prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5) rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost for better drainage.

How to prune Magnolia trees: Minimal pruning is best. If needed, prune immediately after flowering (mid-summer to early fall for evergreens). Never prune in winter or early spring, as you'll remove flower buds and miss next year's blooms. Most varieties require minimal shaping when sited correctly with room to reach mature size.

Common Questions About Magnolia Trees

Are Magnolia trees deer resistant? Yes, deer typically avoid Magnolia trees due to their leathery leaves and aromatic bark.

How fast do Magnolia trees grow? Most varieties grow 1-2 feet per year when young, slowing as they mature. Southern Magnolia is considered a moderate to fast grower.

Do Magnolias have invasive roots? No, Magnolia roots are not invasive, but large varieties develop widespread root systems that need space (40-foot spread).

Why isn't my Magnolia blooming? Common causes include improper pruning, insufficient sunlight, or tree age (some varieties take 10-25 years to bloom reliably). Late frosts can also damage early blooming varieties.

What about Magnolia scale? This is the most serious pest affecting Magnolias. Look for white, waxy bumps on branches. Treat with horticultural oil during the crawler stage (late August-October) or use systemic insecticides. Contact us for specific treatment recommendations.

Why Buy Magnolia Trees from Nature Hills?

Largest selection: 200+ Magnolia varieties, from rare cultivars to tried-and-true classics
Quality guarantee: Every tree is professionally grown and inspected before shipping
Expert support: Our horticulture team helps you choose the right variety for your zone and space
Convenient delivery: Track your shipment right to your doorstep with free shipping on qualified orders
Size options: Multiple container sizes available (1-gallon to 5-gallon+) for immediate impact

Order Your Magnolia Tree Today

Ready to add timeless beauty to your landscape? Whether you're looking for a statement evergreen, a spring-blooming focal point, or a compact variety for a small garden, Nature Hills has the perfect Magnolia tree for you. Shop our collection now and enjoy free shipping on qualified orders. Your Magnolia will arrive healthy, ready to plant, and backed by our guarantee. Don't wait to create the garden of your dreams!

Variety of Magnolia tree flowers showing white, pink, and purple blooms available at Nature Hills

FAQ's for Buying Magnolia Trees Online

When do magnolia trees bloom?

Magnolia bloom time varies by variety and your climate. Early spring bloomers (March-April) include Star Magnolia and Royal Star Magnolia, which flower on bare branches before leaves emerge. Mid-spring varieties (April-May) like Saucer Magnolia and the Little Girl Series (Jane, Ann, Betty) bloom slightly later to avoid frost damage. Southern Magnolia and other evergreen types bloom from late spring through summer (May-September). Most deciduous magnolias create stunning displays when their tulip-shaped flowers cover bare gray branches, while evergreen types bloom intermittently throughout the warmer months with large, fragrant white flowers.

How fast do magnolia trees grow?

Most magnolia trees grow 1-2 feet per year when young, then slow as they mature. Growth rate varies by variety, with Southern Magnolia considered a moderate to fast grower, while compact varieties like Little Gem and the Little Girl Series grow more slowly. Starting with a larger container size gives you faster impact in your landscape. Our 5-gallon magnolia trees are approximately 5 years old and make an immediate impression when planted, helping you enjoy beautiful blooms sooner.

What USDA zones are best for growing magnolia trees?

Magnolia trees thrive in USDA Zones 4-10, with specific varieties suited to different climates. Cold-hardy deciduous varieties like Star Magnolia, Jane Magnolia, and Saucer Magnolia grow successfully in Zones 4-8, making them perfect for northern gardens. Evergreen Southern Magnolia and Little Gem Magnolia prefer Zones 7-10 in warmer southern climates. Most hybrid magnolias fall in the Zone 5-9 range. Use our zone filter tools to find varieties that will thrive in your specific growing zone, or contact our experts for personalized recommendations based on your location.

Why isn't my magnolia tree blooming?

Several factors can prevent magnolia trees from blooming. The most common cause is improper pruning timing, pruning in late fall, winter, or early spring removes next year's flower buds, so only prune immediately after flowering. Insufficient sunlight is another culprit, magnolias need 6+ hours of sun for evergreens and 4-6 hours for deciduous types to bloom well. Young trees may also take 10-25 years to flower reliably, so patience is important with newly planted magnolias. Late spring frosts can damage early-blooming varieties, consider choosing late-blooming varieties like the Little Girl Series if you experience unpredictable spring weather.

Can I grow a magnolia tree in a container?

Yes, you can successfully grow compact magnolia varieties in containers. The best container-friendly magnolias include Little Gem Magnolia, Kay Parris Magnolia, and the Little Girl Series (Ann, Jane, Betty), all of which stay under 15-25 feet at maturity. Use a large container (minimum 20-gallon pot) with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining, slightly acidic potting soil. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry, container plants dry out faster than in-ground trees. Place your container magnolia in a location with full sun to partial shade and fertilize in spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.

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Magnolia Trees