Why Plant Bigleaf Magnolia?
Big, Bold and Beautiful! The Bigleaf Magnolia is a stunning deciduous tree that can be found growing natively in the southeastern portion of the United States. With leaves up to 3' long (for reference, that's larger than your average two year old!) and sweetly scent flowers that can be 8-12'' across, this Magnolia variety gives off a prehistoric vibe! The only slight drawback to this show stopping Magnolia is that it may take quite a few years (10+ or so) for it to produce its beautiful blooms. BUT, until then, you'll be highly entertained by the toddler-sized foliage!
The first encounter with the Bigleaf Magnolia is believed to have been in 1775, when American naturalist William Bartram was exploring the Alabama forests. He referred to the tree as a Magnolia auriculata (today, commonly known as a Mountain Magnolia), which were more commonly found in northern locations. He had unknowingly stumbled upon the glorious Bigleaf Magnolia. Later, around 1800, French botanist Andre Michaux would introduce the Bigleaf Magnolia to the world!
How to use Bigleaf Magnolia in the landscape?
The Bigleaf Magnolia needs a location front and center for all to see! The almost comically large foliage and sweetly scented blooms will draw the attention of all who wander by - prompting them to inquire as to what this beauty is!
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 6-9
How To Plant Bigleaf Magnolia
Bigleaf Magnolias prefer to be grown in full sun to part shade in soils that are well draining and acidic. They tolerate clay and sandy soils as well. Relatively low maintenance, the Bigleaf Magnolia has no major pest or disease issues!
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water slowly and thoroughly. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions. As your Bigleaf Magnolia becomes established, thye become relatively drought tolerant.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. If planting in the fall, use Elements fertilizer while planting and start your regular annual fertilizing the following fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established as it gives your tree the nutrients it needs to produce lush new growth for the following spring.
How To Prune
Bigleaf Magnolias don't require much pruning to maintain their shape. If a prune is needed, do so in late winter to early spring to prevent the sap from bleeding.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
