Magnolias have a timeless charm. Their big, showy blooms and rich, waxy leaves give gardens a graceful, elegant look that’s hard to miss.
Magnolias aren’t just one kind of flower. Some are evergreen, others deciduous. Some grow into tall trees, while others remain compact and shrubby. With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one, but that’s where this list of 15 favourite types of magnolia flowers comes in handy.
Let’s explore some of the most beloved varieties that could be perfect for your garden, patio, or even balcony.
1. Magnolia Grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)
Magnolia Grandiflora is a majestic evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States. Its defining feature is the large, creamy white flowers, each one up to 30cm wide, with a strong, lemony fragrance. These blooms typically appear in late spring and continue sporadically through summer.
Its glossy, leathery leaves are deep green on top and rusty brown underneath — a striking contrast that adds visual interest year-round. Because of its dense growth and impressive height (often reaching 20–25 metres), it’s often planted as a statement tree in parks or large gardens. It thrives in full sun and moist, slightly acidic soil.
2. Magnolia Stellata (Star Magnolia)
Perfect for smaller gardens, the Star Magnolia is a compact, deciduous shrub originating from Japan. It grows to about 2 to 3 metres tall and wide. Its name comes from the star-shaped white or pinkish flowers, made up of 12 to 18 narrow petals that appear before the leaves in early spring.
Magnolia Stellata is beloved for its early bloom and delicate appearance. It prefers a sheltered spot to protect the buds from late frosts. The shrub’s smaller size makes it ideal for urban courtyards, front yards, or even as a container plant.
3. Magnolia Susan
This variety is part of the “Little Girl” hybrid series, developed specifically for late blooming and cold resistance. Magnolia Susan produces elegant, tulip-shaped flowers with deep purple-red exteriors and a paler interior. These blossoms open in mid to late spring, helping avoid frost damage that affects early bloomers.
Susan grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, usually up to 3 metres tall. It has a slow growth habit, which makes it ideal for smaller gardens, patios, or narrow spaces. It prefers full sun but can handle partial shade as well.
4. Magnolia Soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia)
One of the most widely grown types of magnolia flowers, Magnolia Soulangeana is a hybrid between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora. It’s admired for its enormous, saucer-shaped flowers that range in colour from white to soft pink to deep purple.
The tree blooms in early spring and can grow between 4 to 9 metres in height. Its blossoms typically appear before the foliage, creating a dramatic effect. It thrives best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and enjoys full sun or light shade. This magnolia is a favourite in temperate regions across the world.
5. Magnolia Liliiflora (Lily Magnolia)
Native to southwest China, Magnolia Liliiflora is a compact deciduous shrub known for its upward-facing, tulip-like flowers. These blooms are typically dark purple or reddish-pink on the outside and lighter inside, appearing in late spring or early summer.
It’s often used in hybrid breeding because of its rich colour and manageable size (around 2–4 metres tall). It’s well-suited for borders, foundation planting, or as a standalone feature. Liliiflora also tolerates urban pollution better than some other magnolias.
6. Magnolia Kobus
A graceful, cold-hardy species native to Japan and Korea, Magnolia Kobus is one of the earliest to flower, often in late winter to early spring. Its small, fragrant white flowers have narrow petals and open before the leaves emerge, creating a soft, airy look.
Over time, Kobus can grow into a sizeable tree, reaching up to 10–15 metres. It starts off slow but matures into a rounded form, making it ideal for large gardens or park landscapes. In autumn, its green foliage turns golden yellow, offering seasonal interest.
7. Magnolia ‘Jane’
Another popular member of the “Little Girl” series, Magnolia ‘Jane’ blooms in late spring with large, reddish-purple flowers that open to reveal a white interior. The blooms are slightly fragrant and appear just as the leaves start to unfurl, reducing the risk of frost damage.
Jane is well-known for its low-maintenance nature and compact size, typically reaching around 3 metres in height. It adapts well to urban settings and smaller outdoor spaces. Its dark green foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, and it may rebloom lightly in summer.
8. Magnolia ‘Butterflies’
If you're after something cheerful and bright, Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is a standout choice. This deciduous tree boasts sunny yellow, goblet-shaped flowers that appear in mid-spring before the leaves. Unlike most magnolias, which lean towards pinks and whites, ‘Butterflies’ brings a rare splash of yellow to the magnolia world.
The tree typically grows to about 5–7 metres and has a strong upright form. It thrives in well-drained soil with good sun exposure. Its unusual colour and medium size make it a unique feature tree for both private gardens and public spaces.
9. Magnolia Acuminata (Cucumber Tree)
Named for its green, cucumber-shaped seed cones, Magnolia Acuminata is one of the tallest magnolia species, growing up to 20–30 metres under ideal conditions. Native to North America, its flowers are subtle and bell-shaped, often yellow-green or greenish-white, appearing in late spring to early summer.
Though not as flashy as other types of magnolia flowers, this species is prized for its large size and beautiful foliage. It's also a parent to many yellow-flowered hybrids. The Cucumber Tree does best in spacious areas with rich, moist soil and full sunlight.
10. Magnolia Sieboldii (Oyama Magnolia)
Unlike many magnolias that bloom in early spring, Magnolia Sieboldii offers creamy white, cup-shaped flowers in early to mid-summer. These nodding blooms are highly fragrant and feature a striking cluster of crimson-red stamens in the centre.
This deciduous shrub or small tree grows to around 3–4 metres and prefers dappled shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens or sheltered garden corners. It's a favourite for those looking to extend the magnolia blooming season into summer.
11. Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
This dramatic hybrid earns its name from the deep burgundy-purple, tulip-shaped flowers that emerge in early to mid-spring. Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ is one of the darkest-flowered varieties among the different types of magnolia flowers, making it an excellent choice for bold, modern gardens.
The flowers are upright, thick-petalled, and quite large, often 15cm across, and create a rich contrast against green foliage. This small tree or large shrub grows to around 4 to 6 metres and has a tidy, upright form. It thrives best in full sun with well-drained soil, and its compact size makes it great for feature planting near patios or walkways.
12. Magnolia Tripetala (Umbrella Magnolia)
True to its name, Magnolia Tripetala is known for its massive, tropical-looking leaves that can grow up to 60cm long, spreading like an umbrella. These large, pale green leaves give the tree a lush, jungle-like appearance during summer.
Its creamy white flowers are sizeable (20–25cm across), with a slightly unpleasant scent, but the sheer size and structure of the tree still make it a conversation starter in any landscape. Native to the eastern United States, it can grow up to 10–12 metres tall and prefers rich, moist soil in partially shaded locations.
13. Magnolia Denudata (Yulan Magnolia)
One of the oldest cultivated species, Magnolia Denudata holds great cultural significance in China, often seen in temple gardens and used in traditional Chinese art. This deciduous tree produces large, pure white, goblet-shaped flowers that bloom before the leaves appear in early spring.
Yulan Magnolia flowers are subtly fragrant and open slowly, sometimes revealing a soft blush at the base. The tree can reach up to 9 metres tall and is best placed where it can be appreciated in full bloom, such as front lawns or central garden beds. It prefers a sunny location sheltered from harsh winds.
14. Magnolia Laevifolia (Michelia Yunnanensis)
Magnolia Laevifolia, previously classified as Michelia, is an evergreen shrub or small tree known for its continuous bloom during the warmer months. It produces small, creamy white flowers with a delicate citrus scent and leathery green leaves that have a velvety brown underside.
Laevifolia is ideal for creating evergreen screens or hedging, thanks to its dense growth and consistent flowering. It grows to about 2–4 metres and thrives in full sun or light shade. Its fragrant blossoms and textured foliage make it a standout in courtyard gardens or as a border plant.
15. Magnolia Campbelli
A towering beauty from the Himalayan region, Magnolia Campbelli is admired for its enormous pink to white flowers that bloom on bare branches in late winter or very early spring. The blossoms are bowl-shaped, with a soft, elegant look, and they can span 20–25cm in diameter.
This tree can grow exceptionally tall, often reaching 20 metres or more, and is best suited to large gardens or park landscapes. It needs a sheltered spot and plenty of space, but if conditions are right, it rewards with a breathtaking early-season display. Due to its size and bloom time, it's considered one of the most showstopping types of magnolia flowers.
Conclusion About The Different Types of Magnolia Flowers
Magnolias offer more than just beauty; they bring calm, colour, and elegance to any outdoor space. With so many different types of magnolia flowers to choose from, finding the one that fits your garden is easier than you think.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Different Types of Magnolia Flowers
Can Magnolia Trees Grow In Small Gardens?
Yes! Varieties like Magnolia Stellata, Jane, and Liliiflora are compact and perfect for small spaces or even large containers.
Do All Magnolias Smell Nice?
Not all, but many magnolias have a lovely fragrance. Magnolia Sieboldii and Laevifolia are especially known for their sweet scent.
When Is The Best Time To Plant A Magnolia?
The best time to plant is during late winter or early spring, just before the growing season starts. This helps them establish roots effectively.
How Long Do Magnolia Flowers Last?
Most magnolia flowers last between 7 to 10 days, depending on the weather and type. Some varieties bloom longer than others.
Can I Grow Magnolia Trees In Pots?
Yes, smaller varieties like Susan, Jane, and Star Magnolia grow well in large pots, provided they have good drainage and enough sunlight.
