Plant Min Zone: 5a
Plant Max Zone: 8b
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: Average, High
Soil Quality: Rich
Bloom Season: Spring
Flower Color: Yellowish White, White, Cream
Berry / Fruit Color: Brown-Beige, Pink
Spring Foliage Color: Light Green
Summer Foliage Color: Light Green
Fall Foliage Color: Yellow, Brown-Beige
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: No
Scented Flowers: Yes
Drought Tolerance: Low
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Medium
Humidity Tolerance: Medium, High
Wind Tolerance: Low
Poor Soil Tolerance: Acidic Soil (low PH)
Height: 15' - 25'
Width: 10' - 20'
Growth Rate: Slow
Service Life: Tree: Service life varies
Maintenance Need: Low
Spreading Potential: N.A.
Yearly Trimming Tips: Selectively Prune into Small Tree Shape over Period of Many Years.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3
Best Side of House: East Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: None
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest, Large Tropical Foliage / Flowers, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Occasional Problems
Plant Limitations: Susceptible to Iron Chlorosis, Needs Thick Winter Mulch, Needs Regular Irrigation, Susceptible to Late Spring Frosts, Slow to Reach Mature Size
Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) features very large light green leaves that are the biggest simple leaf in North America measuring upto 36" long! They are native to pockets of the Appalachian mountains with perfect rich soils and protected from winds. One would think that plant like this would not do well in Kansas landscapes. However if given a little bit of wind protection, some watering, and decent soil, these trees will do fine and grow vigorously growing in sun or shade. Big leaf magnolias also produce large creamy white flowers and have silvery backs to their leaves adding to the appeal. With ideal conditions, a growth rate of 1 to 2 feet per year is possible. With more difficult conditions they will grow a few inches per year but still look attractive. There seems to be no other plant that can add a tropical feel like big leaf Magnolia. Magnolias in general are a family of plants that have been around for millions of years and are among the most primitive of all flowers. In fact, most magnolia flowers evolved before bees and are thus pollinated by beetles. Magnolias generally have no serious pests or diseases.