The magnolia originally comes from North and Central America and Asia, but not necessarily from always warm climate zones. Some magnolia species are naturally accustomed to frosty temperatures, while others are native to Mediterranean or subtropical regions. However, many new varieties today are bred specifically for winter hardiness.
Are magnolias frost resistant in winter?
Are magnolias hardy? Most magnolia cultivars are hardy, especially deciduous species such as tulip magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana) or star magnolia (Magnolia stellata). However, their winter hardiness varies depending on the variety and they can have different levels of frost resistance. It is advisable to protect young magnolias and their roots from frost.
Deciduous species less sensitive to cold
Basically it can be said that most of the magnolia varieties available in our stores are quite winter hardy, which is why - with a few exceptions - they can be planted in the garden without any problems. However, the deciduous magnolias, which regularly shed their leaves in autumn, are much more resilient. These varieties are naturally adapted to cold winters, unlike the evergreen species. The latter are native to warmer climes and therefore need more protection. However, young magnolias in particular, regardless of the variety, always need good winter protection. They only get used to the frosty temperatures as they get older and are not yet strong enough to withstand the cold when they are young. The roots also always need protection (e.g. with a thick layer of bark mulch (€14.00 on Amazon)), as they grow just below the surface of the earth and can therefore freeze quickly.
Popular frost-hardy varieties
| Magnolia species | Latin name | Variety | Flower color | Frosthardiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulip Magnolia | Magnolia soulangiana | Genius | dark red | up to approx. – 23 °C |
| Tulip Magnolia | Magnolia soulangeana | various | white, pink or purple | up to approx. – 24 °C |
| Purple Magnolia | Magnolia liliiflora | Nigra | purple | up to approx. – 24 °C |
| Purple Magnolia | Magnolia liliiflora | Susan | purple | up to approx. – 27 °C |
| Star Magnolia | Magnolia stellata | various varieties | white | up to approx. – 30 °C |
Plant early-flowering varieties only in mild regions
The low frost resistance of the buds or flowers is also a problem with winter and frost-hardy magnolias. Although the tree itself may be hardy, its flowers are not. Late frosts in spring can deprive it of its flowers, which is why you should either protect it in good time or choose a late-flowering type of magnolia. The summer magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii) with its distinctive flowers only blooms from June onwards and is therefore not at great risk. Very early flowering varieties (e.g. star magnolia, Magnolia stellata) should therefore only be planted in regions with a rather mild climate.
Tips & Tricks
Pot magnolias, whether hardy according to the variety label or not, are always at risk from frosty temperatures and should therefore ideally be overwintered under cold house conditions. The reason for this is the sensitive roots, which are not adequately protected by the pot.
