Species magnolia
White flower with yellow center, lime buds, white hair and brown stems

magnolia

Magnolia loebneri 'Spring Joy'

Magnolia loebneri 'Spring Joy' is an absolute show stopper! The shrub grows quickly to 15 feet tall and is decorated with a profusion of white star-shaped, fragrant blooms in the early spring months. Its cheerful flowers add a vibrant splash of color to your landscape and provide a gorgeous backdrop for other spring-flowering plants. Its leathery, dark green foliage provides year-long interest, while its unique form adds an incredible vertical dimension. This tough plant is also highly resilient to pests, drought, and full sun, proving to be a reliable choice for your garden. Show off this beauty and bring your garden to life!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

White sometimes flushed with pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

This particular type of magnolia needs to be watered regularly so it’s important to check the soil moisture of the pot regularly. Use your fingers to feel the soil; if the top 2 inches feel dry, then it’s time to water. When it’s time to water, make sure you do it thoroughly and deeply, soaking the soil to the point of runoff. Do not let the soil become soggy, as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Water the plant once a week when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid over-watering, as this can harm the plant. In summer, water your magnolia every 3-5 days and in winter, once every 10-14 days is sufficient.

sunlight

Magnolia loebneri 'Spring Joy' plants enjoy full sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon. They prefer at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, and moderate to high levels of indirect or filtered sunlight. They can tolerate light shade, but will not be as floriferous if grown in full shade.

pruning

Magnolia loebneri 'Spring Joy' is a deciduous shrub that should be pruned once a year in early spring. First, remove any broken, damaged, diseased, or dead branches with sharp pruning shears. Prune out any stems that are growing too close to the main trunk to allow good air circulation and light penetration. If the shrub is becoming too large, selectively prune stems by sawing them back to the desired height. Avoid overpruning though, as this can affect Magnolia loebneri 'Spring Joy's bloom production. A light shearing can be done after flowering to maintain the shrub's desired shape and size as well.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Magnolia loebneri 'Spring Joy' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Magnolia a deciduous or evergreen plant?

Magnolia is a deciduous plant, meaning it drops its leaves annually. It is part of the Magnoliaceae family and has over 80 species found in the Northern Hemisphere. The large, showy flowers bloom in a wide range of colors from white to purple and appear before the foliage emerges in the spring. Depending on the species, some Magnolia trees may hold their leaves through the winter and drop them just before new growth emerges in the spring.

Are all Magnolia flowers fragrant?

No, not all Magnolia flowers are fragrant. Some, like the Star or Saucer Magnolias, are fragrant while others, such as the Loebner Magnolia, are not. There are over 200 species of magnolias, and not every one produces a scented bloom. Some magnolia flowers, however, have an unmistakable sweet smell. It is best to do research on the species of magnolias you are growing to determine if its flowers are fragrant or not.

Is Magnolia a good plant for attracting wildlife?

Yes, Magnolia is an excellent plant for attracting wildlife. Not only does it provide bright and fragrant blooms for pollinators to enjoy, but its large leaves provide protection for birds seeking a safe place to nest. Its multiple saucer-shaped blooms open up quickly in early spring, in turn providing a rich source of nectar for a variety of bees and butterflies. Additionally, many Magnolia trees produce a sweet sap that can be used to attract hummingbirds and other birds that are especially fond of the sugary treat.

Are there different varieties of Magnolia?

Yes, there are different varieties of Magnolia. There are more than 100 species of Magnolia that have been identified. These different types of Magnolias vary in size, shape, colour and form, giving gardeners the opportunity to choose from a wide range of plants for their gardens. Popular varieties include the Southern Magnolia, Star Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia, Genus Magnolia and Umbrella Magnolia. Each of these varieties offer something different and beautiful for a variety of landscapes.

Can Magnolia be propagated by cuttings?

Yes, magnolia can be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the stems of juvenile (2 years old or younger) plants, making sure to include one to two nodes. The nodes are the small bumps located on the stem where leafy shoots will emerge. The cuttings should then be immediately placed in a damp potting medium, such as sandy soil. If desired, one can also dip the cutting into rooting hormone prior to planting to speed the growth of roots. Properly watered and placed in indirect light, the cutting should begin producing roots in 4 to 6 weeks.

Could Magnolia be trained to grow on a trellis?

Yes, Magnolia can be trained to grow on a trellis. Establish a strong and sturdy trellis in a spot with full or partial sun and make sure it is in an area with good airflow. Plant the Magnolia tree at least two feet away from the trellis. When it starts to grow and get tall, train it to grow up the trellis by tying stems to the trellis and pruning the lower branches off. With routine training and pruning, it can be trained to the shape and height desired in no time.

Can Magnolia tolerate drought conditions?

Yes, Magnolia trees can tolerate drought conditions. They have relatively deep root systems which help them access water that is deeper in the soil, and they are often more drought-tolerant than many other plants. To help them during periods of drought, you should mulch around the base of the tree and keep it well-watered.

Can Magnolia be grown in a coastal area?

Yes, Magnolia can be grown in a coastal area. It is tolerant of salt spray and wet soils, making it an ideal choice for coastal gardens. Magnolia prefers well-drained soils, with pH levels of 6 to 7. When planting near the coast, make sure to select a variety that is suited to your climate and and give it plenty of space to grow. Using organic mulch and watering deeply during dry periods can also help protect the tree and keep it healthy.