How-to Guide
Growing Magnolias (Southern, Saucer, and Star)
The short answer
Magnolias range from the large evergreen southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora, 60 to 80 feet) to compact deciduous types like saucer magnolia (15 to 33 feet) and star magnolia (15 to 20 feet). All prefer full sun to partial shade and consistently moist, well-drained, slightly acidic, organically rich soil.
Early-flowering saucer and star magnolias should be sited away from strong winds and southern exposures near structures, where reradiated heat can force buds open early and expose them to frost. Prune spring-flowering magnolias immediately after they bloom.
Choosing and siting a magnolia
- Southern magnolia (M. grandiflora): evergreen, 60-80 ft, needs 6+ hours of sun to bloom
- Saucer magnolia (M. x soulangeana): 15-33 ft, best planted in spring, shallow fleshy roots
- Star magnolia (M. stellata): 15-20 ft, hardy to about zone 4, somewhat frost-hardier than saucer
- Protect early bloomers from wind, late frost, and heat-reflecting south walls
Planting and care
- 1Plant in spring — Saucer magnolia's shallow, fleshy root system establishes best when planted in spring.
- 2Give it moisture — Provide consistent, regular moisture in well-drained, acidic, loamy, organically enriched soil.
- 3Site for bloom — Southern magnolia needs at least six hours of sun daily to bloom and may take years to begin flowering.
Pruning basics and timing
Prune spring-flowering magnolias immediately after flowering. On southern magnolia, lower branches reach the ground and can be limbed up if you want a more tree-like form.
→ Saucer and star magnolia flowers open in late winter and are easily damaged by late frosts; siting matters more than any spray.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Clemson HGIC — Magnolia — Southern magnolia size and sun-to-bloom needs; lower-branch pruning; general magnolia care.
- NC State Extension — Magnolia x soulangeana — Saucer magnolia size, spring planting of shallow fleshy roots, wind/frost siting, prune after flowering.
- Morton Arboretum — Star magnolia — Star magnolia size, hardiness, and prune-after-flowering guidance.