The state of Missouri is one of the most hospitable places to grow a wide variety of plants, shrubs, and trees. However, not all can grow in the same area, as Missouri has several different USDA hardiness zones, from 4b to 7a. The Magnolia tree is just one of many beautiful trees that grow in this versatile state.
Out of the 340 species of Magnolia, 250 of them can be grown in Missouri. This article will cover just a few of the most common and eye-catching magnolia trees for Missouri. These trees can easily be cultivated for ornamental or environmental purposes.
How Well Do Magnolias Grow in Missouri?
Many people associate Magnolias with the South, but this is a misconception. While it’s true many species of Magnolias prefer the hot, humid weather of the South, there are still plenty of them fully capable of surviving Missouri winters, and they do very well in zones 5-7.
These trees do best when other plants and trees do not surround them due to their expanding root system.
Most Magnolia trees require moist, acidic soil to flourish, with a PH range of five to seven. Full sun is always best to get the best blooms from these trees, but some will tolerate partial shade. Magnolias need as much sun as possible in the cooler zones, as too much shade will result in stunted growth.
How well Magnolias grow largely depends on each specific species. Certain species, such as the cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata), can tolerate even the frigid temperatures of zone three.
What Types of Magnolias Grow in Missouri?
As previously stated, there are over 200 species of Magnolia that can be grown in the state of Missouri. However, few are native to the US. We will focus on a few of those now.
Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
Native to the Eastern US, the Sweet Bay Magnolia grow in zones 5-7 and as far north as New York. They produce medium-sized white flowers that have a scent commonly compared to vanilla. It generally grows 10-20ft high, though it can grow up to 100ft in the wild.
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
The Southern Magnolia is native to the Southeast US, expanding west a bit. It is capable of growing in zones 6-10. In the wild, this beautiful tree can reach heights up to 120ft tall, though 60-90ft is more average. The creamy white blossoms are lemon-citronella scented, generally emerging in late spring.
Big Leaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)
As the name suggests, the Big Leaf Magnolia has the largest leaves of any Magnolia tree, reaching up to three feet long. They are native to the Southeast US, as well as Mexico. They grow best in zones 5-8 and produce large, white blossoms in the spring. They can grow up to 100ft tall, though 50-60ft is average.
How to Care For a Magnolia Tree in Missouri
Regardless of the species, the proper soil is critical to getting any Magnolia to thrive. Loose soil that can absorb water is ideal for this tree, but avoid letting standing water surround the roots. Adding mulch to the tree’s base is a great way to keep it moist without the risk of rot. You can also test your soil to ensure it is appropriate for Magnolias; if not, consider adding fertilizer or a soil amendment.
In the cooler parts of Missouri, you will want to ensure that any Magnolia gets planted in full sunlight. Many Magnolia trees are fast-growing, so you will want to be aware of your surroundings and know how big your tree will get before planting.
Avoid planting too close to your house or near powerlines. These trees generally do not transplant well, so plant them in an area that can be their forever home.