Magnolia trees are one of the most popular landscaping species in the United States. There’s a wide variety available, from evergreen Magnolia tree varieties to those that bloom flowers of different colors. The perfect type for your area will depend mainly upon how much sun exposure it gets each day. Let’s look at growing Magnolia Tree in Zone 8.
Magnolia Tree Zone 8
Magnolia trees are often considered the king of all plants – and there’s no denying why. They can grow in almost any environment with their wide variety that includes heat-loving species and cold hardiness ones! Zone 8 homemakers have an array to choose from, but if you want some help narrowing it down, then take a look at our list below:
Magnolia Stellata
Magnolia stellata can be successfully grown in zone 7 with some precaution but does well in zones 8-10. It will typically lose its leaves during the winter, but they will return in the spring. In cultivation in the U.S., it is prized for its early spring bloom of fragrant star-shaped flowers.
The mature bark of M. Stellata is gray and deeply furrowed. Its ovate to elliptic leaves (3-8″ long) are lustrous green above and paler below. They turn yellow to gold in fall. The flowers are about 1″ across and have 6 white petals with purple anthers surrounding a yellow center.
Siebold’s Magnolia
This species is also known as the Oyama magnolia, and it is native to China, Japan, and Korea. The fragrant flowers are white to light pink and bloom in late spring. The leaves are dark green and turn yellow in autumn. Like other Magnolia varieties, they thrive in partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Once the plant has been established, it is relatively drought tolerant. It is known to attract butterflies and is said to be deer-resistant.
Siebold’s Magnolia makes beautiful specimen trees perfect for use as street trees or in large gardens. They are also famous for use in foundation plantings.
Southern Magnolia
Southern Magnolia (M. Grandiflora) makes an excellent shade tree. It is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. The leaves are dark green and leathery with a silver underside. They turn yellow in the fall with huge, showy flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer and come in shades of white, pink, and deep purple.
Southern Magnolia grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7b – 10a. In zone 8, it should be planted in areas that receive full sun to partial shade. It is a slow-growing tree that takes approximately 10 – 15 years before it reaches its full height.
Star Magnolia
The star magnolia (M. Stellata) is a deciduous tree that blooms in early spring, typically before the leaves appear. The fragrant flowers are white with yellow centers and have up to 12 petals. This is a perfect fit for zone 8 climates. The Star Magnolia is a relatively small tree, ideal for gardens or yards with limited space. Planting and care are easy – just make sure to give your tree plenty of sun and water. With a little love, your Star Magnolia will thrive for years to come.
This beautiful, small tree is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. As mentioned earlier, it produces an abundance of white, star-shaped flowers in early spring, just before the spring emerges.
Butterfly Magnolia
Native to China and Vietnam, the Butterfly Magnolia is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world. The most striking feature of this tree is its large, fragrant flowers, which resemble butterflies in flight. The flowers are white with a hint of pink and purple and bloom from late winter to early spring.
The Butterfly Magnolia is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves during the winter months. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) will encourage continuous blooming throughout the spring.
This tree is perfect for gardeners who want to keep a whimsical appearance in their garden. The flowers are incredibly unique and are sure to attract attention.
Saucer Magnolia
Saucer Magnolias are a beautiful type of magnolia tree known for their large, showy flowers. They are native to Asia and grow best in climates with warm winters and cool summers. In the United States, they are typically hardy in zones 7-9. However, there have been reports of saucer magnolias surviving in zone 8 climates if they are given extra protection from the cold during the winter months.
They thrive and tolerate most soil types, given that the soil isn’t waterlogged. They grow best in full sun to partial shade and require little care other than occasional pruning after flowering to keep the trees looking at their best.
Magnolia Tree Zone 8: Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a big, beautiful tree to grace your property with shade and lovely blooms in the springtime, one of these magnolia varieties may be perfect for you. With proper care, keeping the soil moist but well-drained, and planting in an area that receives full sun to partial shade, your tree should do well.
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