Pink Magnolia Tree: Why This Tree Should Be In Every Garden

Georgette Kilgore headshot, wearing 8 Billion Trees shirt with forest in the background.Written by Georgette Kilgore

Forestry, Trees and Tree Planting | April 1, 2024

The Pink Magnolia tree is a beautiful, flowering tree that grows to to great heights, towering up to 70 feet tall, with a lovely, wide-spreading canopy.

But there’s more to why this ornamental tree should be in every garden than it’s stunning beauty, with its delicate pink blossoms and deeply rich, green leaves.

The Pink Magnolia tree is also able to sequester carbon emissions, providing a key part in lowering your carbon footprint. Keep reading to learn more.

Pink Magnolia Characteristics

(Magnolia soulangeana)

Pink Magnolia tree photo in oval frame on green background.
  • Tree Common Name: Pink Magnolia Tree
  • Tree Scientific Name: Magnolia soulangeana
  • Characteristics: The pink magnolia tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 70 feet tall and live for up to 120 years. The tree has a large flower bud that blooms in the spring before the leaves emerge. Its flowers have five petals that range from yellow to pink, making it easy for people to identify the tree by its color alone.
  • Family: Magnoliaceae
  • Genus: Magnolia
  • Leaf: Oval-shaped
  • Bark: Gray and smooth
  • Seed: Red
  • Blossoms: White or Pink
  • Fruit: Pinecone
  • Native Habitat: Southeastern United States
  • Height: Up to 70 feet
  • Canopy: Up to 40 feet
  • Type: Deciduous

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Ranking

Near Threatened

NE
DD
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX

Image Credit: Ilo (Couleur)9

The Pink Magnolia tree has some specific needs. Like others in this genus, it needs a lot of room to spread its branches and good, well drained soil so that it can develop a string root system.

But, there are plenty of reasons why this tree makes such a great addition to any garden.

Why Should a Pink Magnolia Tree Be in Every Garden?

A pink magnolia tree is an absolute must in every garden. It is a beautiful, graceful tree that can make any space look gorgeous.

The pink magnolia tree is an excellent choice for various gardens because it can be used as a focal point or as an accent piece.

The tree has pink blossoms in the spring, followed by glossy green leaves that unfurl during summer. The flowers have a sweet scent and can last for up to eight weeks once they have opened. The pink magnolia tree can grow up to 70 feet tall with a spread of 50 feet at maturity; however, some varieties only reach about eight feet with about six feet in width at maturity.

Pink Magnolia tree growth chart showing full grown Pink Magnolia tree on a line graph with Pink Magnolia tree age on the x-axis and Pink Magnolia tree height on the y-axis.

But that’s not all…the Pink Magnolia provides a wonderful habitat for many beneficial birds, insects, and other animals.

What To Look for When Choosing a Pink Magnolia Tree for Sale

You can’t go wrong with a pink magnolia tree,1 but there are some things you should know about this favorite flowering tree. Be sure to ask your seller where he got the tree from. Pink magnolia trees can be grown commercially in colder climates.

Pink Magnolia tree identification chart showing pictures of the Pink Magnolia tree, leaves, flowers, seeds, and bark.

However, they would have been through a rough shipping experience if not cared for well. Some trees also experience root rot after long unwatered periods (which is something you’ll want to do once you get your new plant home).

You don’t want an unhealthy plant or one that’s been grown poorly!

Related Reading: Southern Magnolia Tree Guide

If possible, ask the seller how old the tree is. It shouldn’t be more than five years old (older trees tend to have more disease). If you notice any discoloration or damage on the trunk, you might have a problem with your pink magnolia tree. The best way to check for this is by looking at the roots. If they look healthy and strong, your tree should flourish.

What Is a Dwarf Pink Magnolia Tree?

Since most pink magnolias are large and require a lot of room, if you’re looking for a beautiful, hardy, and small plant that can suit your space, then the dwarf pink magnolia is right up your alley. This evergreen tree only reaches about 12 feet tall and eight feet wide. It’s also known as Little Gem because of its diminutive size, making it perfect for smaller spaces.

Close up image of pink magnolia tree blossoms against a blue clear sky.

(Image: ChiemSeherin6)

This magnolia is a great choice for small gardens2 or spaces. It prefers full sun during the day but will grow well in partial shade or under trees. It is drought tolerant once established and requires little maintenance.

You need to prune dead branches once every few years to keep them looking neat.

What Do You Need to Know About Pink Magnolia Tree Care?

Pink Magnolias are a favorite of homeowners and landscapers alike. They are known for their bright pink flowers, which bloom from late winter until mid-summer. These trees also have a long life span, with some living up to 120 years! If you want to care for your pink magnolia tree, here are some tips:

Pruning: Pink Magnolias do not require a lot of pruning. Once they have reached their mature size, you can cut back on the lower branches without worrying about stressing them out. For example, if you have a small tree that is just starting to grow and has no branches, it may be best to leave most of the branches alone. You can always cut back on these later as needed (as long as it is done after the leaves have come out).

Clusters of pink magnolia flowers in full bloom against a bright blue sky.

(Image: Ralphs_Fotos7)

If you need to remove any dead or damaged branches, do so during winters when there are no leaves on the tree (or at least wait until after all of your tree’s leaves have fallen off).

Planting: You can plant your pink magnolia as soon as you get home from the nursery, but it’s best to wait until spring because you’ll want to avoid frost damage while they’re still young and tender. Make sure you plant them near heat sources, such as your furnace or heater (they do need some heat), so they can grow quickly enough to bloom before winter comes around again!

Fertilizing: Pink Magnolias love fertilizer! They prefer a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, potassium nitrate, and other nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium sulfate.

What Is a Purple Magnolia Tree?

A purple magnolia is a wonderful deciduous shrub known for its upright open branching habit and large dual-toned, dark purple-red outside and pink inside. It is a member of the dogwood family and has bark that peels off in strips. The leaves are lance-shaped and have serrated edges. The flowers are purple and come in clusters of 3-4 on each branch.

Related Reading: Sweet Bay Magnolia Tree Guide

The branches will spread out as they age, eventually forming a rounded canopy with long arching branches.

Close up image of a cluster of purple magnolia tree flowers.

(Image: Christopher Jolly8)

This tree prefers full sun to partial shade but can also tolerate some shade. It needs good drainage to thrive, so it’s best suited to areas where there’s not too much water or where there aren’t any nearby bodies of water. Purple magnolias are also susceptible to fire blight (a fungal disease), so they shouldn’t be planted near other trees unless protected by a fence or other barrier.

Why Look for Dwarf Magnolia Trees for Sale?

Dwarf magnolia trees are a great addition to any landscape. They can add height and luster to your yard while providing an attractive, dense canopy that blocks the sun. In addition to this, they are also very easy to take care of because they only need about 10 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Magnolia Tree Care

The average dwarf magnolia tree is around 12 feet tall and about eight feet wide at maturity. This makes them perfect for small spaces like patios or decks and large gardens or yards. They also do well in coastal areas where there is plenty of space for them to spread out and grow.

Dwarf magnolias are known for their fragrant leaves that smell like honey when crushed underfoot (or hands). These plants also produce flowers that bloom during spring.

All magnolia trees help to reduce carbon emissions, and when you plant them in your garden, you do the work of carbon offset companies that offer tree planting carbon offsets, just on a smaller scale.

To learn just how much emissions your trees can remove from the atmosphere, use the calculator here:

Planting a Pink Magnolia tree in your garden provides a host of benefits for your local ecosystem by offering shelter for beneficial birds and insects, plus it helps you reduce your overall carbon footprint by capturing emissions naturally!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Magnolia Tree

Where Is the Best Place to Plant a Magnolia Tree?

Magnolia trees are best planted in a well-drained location and receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be friable, not too acidic or alkaline, and rich in organic matter. The tree needs a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 to thrive. If you are planting a sapling, it should be placed in an area that receives full sun throughout the day.

What Is the Most Fragrant Magnolia Tree?

The most fragrant magnolia tree3 is the daybreak magnolia stellata. This tree can grow as tall as 25 feet and has a narrow, conical shape with drooping branches. The flowers are white with purple centers and pale pink tips. They grow in clusters of three to five at the top of each branch.

These trees are easy to grow but need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. If your soil doesn’t drain properly, the roots will rot, preventing the tree from producing flowers or fruit.

Is There a Pink Magnolia Shrub Too?

The lily magnolia is a small tree shrub. It grows to be about 12 feet tall. The leaves are oval-shaped, about 1 inch long and 1/4 inch wide. The flowers are lavender and very fragrant, blooming from April through May. The flowers are borne in profusion on thin stalks that rise from the center of the plant’s branches. The flowers have five petals that are arranged in a star shape with five sepals attached to a central pistil.

What Is the Difference Between a Magnolia Tree and a Magnolia Bush?

A magnolia tree is a large, ornamental tree with a single trunk, while a magnolia bush is a small shrub with no branches. Both types of magnolia have somewhat different characteristics.

The main difference between the two types of magnolia is size. A magnolia tree can reach heights of up to 80 feet, while a magnolia bush is usually about 15 feet tall. The leaves of both types of magnolias are similar in shape and size, but they are often lighter in color than those of other trees.

Another difference between the two species is their fruit. Magnolia flowers only bloom once a year (late spring). In contrast, the flowers of a magnolia bush bloom anytime between February and June! Another difference is the stems from the tree base. A magnolia tree has a single trunk coming from the base, while a shrub has many branches coming out from the base.

Do All Magnolia Bushes Bloom?

Magnolia trees are beautiful, but they can also be a little tricky. They need to be planted in a well-drained site with good air circulation. The tree may not bloom well if the soil is too wet or moist. If it’s too dry, your tree will wilt and die.

Do Magnolia Trees Bloom in the Winter?

The saucer magnolia4 blooms between mid-winter and early spring. The saucer magnolia is a member of the Magnolia family, and its flowers are white, with a sweet fragrance. The tree is native to the southeastern United States but has become naturalized in many other areas. In the winter, there is no floral activity on this tree; however, it does produce small amounts of pollen that can be found on its leaves in early spring.

How Long Does a Magnolia Bloom Last?

A magnolia tree blooms for about two weeks. It starts with a small leaf bud that forms at the apex of the main branch, and then it grows a flower bud, which will eventually open into a flower. The flower lasts about two weeks before it falls off, and a new one forms.

Can Magnolia Flowers Survive in a Vase?

Magnolia flowers can survive in a vase for up to a week after they are cut from the branch. The number of days that magnolia flowers will last in a vase depends on the flower size and how long it is cut from the branch. Smaller flowers will last longer than larger ones.

Can You Eat Purple Magnolia Flowers?

The purple magnolia is a shrub that can be found growing in the south-central United States.5 Its branches are covered in clusters of waxy flowers from late summer to early fall. These flowers are edible and can be dried and sprinkled on food or added to baked goods to add a hint of purple color. You can also use them in salads or tea.

Is Magnolia Known to be Poisonous to Humans?

Magnolia berries taste very bitter, and many people who eat them develop nausea and stomach pain. This is especially true if the berries are eaten raw or in large quantities.

Can You Grow Magnolias in Pots?

Magnolias are usually planted in the ground, but you can buy them as pot-grown plants. These plants will thrive in a container with soil that drains well and is free of debris and insects.

You should choose a planting container with a depth of at least 6 inches since magnolias need to be able to expand their roots over time. The soil should be composed of equal parts peat moss and perlite; this combination is ideal for the pink magnolia tree growth because it allows for good drainage without becoming too soggy.

Read More About Pink Magnolia Tree Care:

References

1Michel, B. (2022, March 29). Magnolia Madness. National Park Service. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from <https://www.nps.gov/jeff/blogs/magnolia-madness.htm>

2National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior. (2022, April 20). Magnolia Garden. National Park Service. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from <https://www.nps.gov/places/magnolia-garden.htm>

3Wikipedia. (2022). Magnolia. Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia>

4University of Massachusetts Amherst. (2022). Saucer Magnolia. UMass Amherst. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from <https://extension.umass.edu/plant-identification/saucer-magnolia>

5U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2022). Southern Magnolia. U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from <https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/magnolia/grandiflora.htm>

6Photo by ChiemSeherin. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/images/id-4961971/>

7Ralphs_Fotos. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/magnolia-magnolia-tree-blooming-4107314/>

8Photo by Christopher Jolly. Unsplash. Retrieved from <https://unsplash.com/photos/JAw9E0RNQ94>

9Tulip magnolia, Tree, Shrub Photo by Ilo (Couleur). (2017, March 17) / Pixabay Content License. Cropped and added text, shape, and background elements. Pixabay. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/tulip-magnolia-tree-shrub-magnolia-2152787/>

10Featured Image: Magnolia flowers blooms in Washington D.C. Photo by Andy Feliciotti. (2020, March 16) / Unsplash License. Cropped and added text, shape, and background elements. Unsplash. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/pink-cherry-blossom-tree-during-daytime-R3Te-48geZM>