The magnolia tree, originally native to Asia and North America, can be found in many gardens and green areas and in spring enchants viewers from afar with its magnificent, lush flowers. Depending on the species and cultivation form, magnolias reach very different heights.
How tall does a magnolia grow?
Magnolia trees reach different heights depending on the species and cultivation form: cucumber magnolia (up to approx. 20m), evergreen magnolia (up to approx. 25m), tulip magnolia (up to approx.6m), Umbrella Magnolia (up to 12m), Yulan Magnolia (up to 2m), Purple Magnolia, Summer Magnolia (both up to approx. 3m) and Star Magnolia (up to approx. 150cm).
Shrub or tree?
Many species of magnolia are large shrubs, but can also be trained into a tree. Most varieties, with the exception of the evergreen magnolia, are deciduous in autumn. The smaller magnolias, especially the star magnolia, are also suitable for keeping in a pot.
Some types of magnolias and their growing heights
| Variety | Latin name | Tree or shrub? | Growth height | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cucumber Magnolia | Magnolia acuminata | Tree | up to approx. 20 meters | english “Cucumber tree” |
| Cucumber Magnolia | Magnolia cordata | larger shrub | up to 2 meters | natural mutation of Magnolia acuminata |
| Yulan Magnolia | Magnolia denudata | Shrub or tree | up to 2 meters | Starting variety for tulip magnolia |
| Evergreen Magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | Tree | up to approx. 25 meters | needs mild weather |
| Purple Magnolia | Magnolia liliiflora | Shrub or tree | up to approx. 3 meters | suitable for cutting |
| Summer Magnolia | Magnolia sieboldii | Shrub or tree | up to approx. 3 meters | late blooming |
| Tulip Magnolia | Magnolia x soulangiana | Tree | up to approx. 6 meters | tulip-shaped flowers |
| Star Magnolia | Magnolia stellata | Shrub | up to approx. 150 centimeters | early blooming |
| Umbrella Magnolia | Magnolia tripetala | Tree | up to 12 meters | blooms from June |
Tips & Tricks
All magnolias are very slow growing. In addition, magnolias tolerate cutting very poorly, which is why you should only remove dead or diseased trees.
