There are currently around 230 different magnolia varieties on the market, of which only around 100 are suitable for the Central European climate. However, countless new varieties are added every year. No reliable statements can yet be made regarding the expected size.
In what sizes are magnolias available for the garden?
Magnolias come in different sizes, from dwarf magnolias to 20 meter tall trees. For example, the Yulan magnolia (up to 2 meters), the large star magnolia (up to 3 meters) and the star magnolia (up to 1.5 meters) are particularly small. When choosing, pay attention to the space requirements and winter hardiness of the magnolia variety.
Select magnolia variety according to space requirements
Magnolias reach very different sizes; From small, shrub-like dwarf magnolias to trees that are more than 20 meters high, there is every height imaginable. However, the actual height depends on various factors, because the genetic abilities cannot develop equally under all climatic conditions. The same variety grows significantly higher in regions with a mild climate than under local conditions. However, all magnolias grow equally in width as they grow in height, i.e. H. You have to plan for several meters of space in the garden for a stately growing tree.
It's better not to cut magnolias
Some gardeners with small gardens may try to trim their magnolia tree to a suitable size. These magnolias will always try to reach their genetically programmed size in any way possible. They develop extremely bizarre growth forms with lots of so-called “water veins” that sprout from all interfaces like mushrooms. Save yourself and your tree this unpleasant experience and choose a smaller variety instead.
There is no experience available yet for many new breeds
Unfortunately, no reliable statements can yet be made regarding the expected size of the numerous new breeds that have appeared on the market in recent years. However, their height can be roughly estimated by taking the size of the parent magnolia as a starting point.
Different magnolia varieties and their growth sizes
In the table below you can compare the different growth heights of the various magnolia varieties as well as their winter hardiness.
| Magnolia variety | Latin name | Growth height | Flower color | Winter hardiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cucumber Magnolia | Magnolia acuminata | up to 20 meters | yellow-green to yellow | frostproof |
| Cucumber Magnolia | Magnolia cordata | up to 20 meters | yellow | frostproof |
| Yulan Magnolia | Magnolia denudata | up to 2 meters | yellow | winterfest |
| Evergreen Magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | up to 10 meters | various colors | no |
| Kobushi Magnolia | Magnolia kobus | up to 10 meters / up to 5 meters wide | white | hardy |
| Purple Magnolia | Magnolia liliiflora | up to approx. 4 meters | multicolored / different colors | winterfest |
| Big Star Magnolia | Magnolia loebneri | up to approx. 3 meters | white or pink | winterfest |
| Summer Magnolia | Magnolia sieboldii | up to approx. 4 meters | white | hardy |
| Tulip Magnolia | Magnolia soulangiana | up to approx. 6 meters | various colors | frostproof |
| Star Magnolia | Magnolia stellata | up to approx. 1.5 meters | white | frostproof |
| Umbrella Magnolia | Magnolia tripetala | up to 12 meters | white | winterfest |
| Swamp Magnolia | Magnolia virginiana | up to 10 meters | white | no |
| Yellow River | Magnolia yellow river | up to 2.5 meters | creamy white to ivory | winterfest |
| Magnolia hybrid “Genie” | Magnolia soulangiana “Genie” | up to approx. 3 meters | dark / red-violet | winterfest |
Tips & Tricks
The star magnolias are usually significantly smaller than other magnolia varieties. If there is very little space and the appropriate interest, growing it as a bonsai is also possible.
