The main flowering period of the impressive magnolias is in the months of April and May, with some very early-flowering varieties opening their flowers as early as March. Other magnolias, on the other hand, only reveal their splendor in summer. In our overview you will find the flowering times of the most popular magnolias.
When do the different types of magnolias bloom?
– Summer Magnolia: June to July
The flowering times of the most important magnolia species
In spring, the large, mostly white, pink or purple flowers of the magnolia can be seen from afar. The magnolia family - originally native to Asia and the North American continent - includes around 230 different species that vary greatly in terms of their height, flower shape and flowering time. The lush flowering usually lasts about 14 days, although some trees bloom a second time at a later date.
Magnolia species | Latin name | Height | Flower color | Flowering time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Evergreen Magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | up to 25 meters | white | May to August |
Tulip Magnolia | Magnolia soulangiana | up to five meters | white, pink or purple | April |
Star Magnolia | Magnolia stellata | up to three meters | white | March |
Summer Magnolia | Magnolia sieboldii | up to 7 meters | white | June to July |
Cucumber Magnolia | Magnolia acuminata | up to 20 meters | yellow | May to June |
Purple Magnolia | Magnolia liliiflora | up to three meters | purple | May |
Umbrella Magnolia | Magnolia tripetala | up to 10 meters | white | April to May |
Kobushi Magnolia | Magnolia kobus | up to 24 meters | white | March to April |
Large-leaved magnolia | Magnolia macrophylla | up to 15 meters | white | May to June |
Summer-blooming magnolias less sensitive to frost
The advantage of late-blooming magnolia varieties is that they are less sensitive to spring frosts. These late frosts are the nightmare of every proud magnolia owner, as they often bring the wonderful blossoms to an abrupt end overnight. The result is frozen, brown leaves and flowers. This mishap won't happen to you with a summer magnolia.
Tips & Tricks
Don't despair if your magnolia planted in autumn doesn't want to bloom yet. Only a few specimens bloom in the first two years. Some varieties even take up to 10 years to bloom for the first time.