If you’re craving a little spring therapy, magnolias are eager to please. These traditional Southern Belles are easy to grow and surprisingly hardy right here in Peoria. The picturesque blooms carry a sweet, distinctive scent and come in a rainbow of creamy pastels. Check out some of our favorites and pick up a few pointers along the way. You’ll have no regrets!

Highlights

Depending on the variety, Magnolia blooms vary in creamy shades of pink, white, and yellow. They are easy to grow, relatively pest free and range in size from 15-25ft tall. As an added bonus for bird lovers, magnolia seeds are a favorite of songbirds.

Saucers & Stars

Magnolias blooms have distinctive saucer or star shapes. Saucer Magnolias typically come in tree form, with one stem reaching up to 25ft tall. Saucer blooms are much larger than stars, just not as prolific. Star Magnolias have a multi-stem, bush form. They are typically smaller, about 15ft tall and covered in smaller, star-shaped blooms.

Best Results

Most varieties perform best in full sun, although some will tolerate part shade, and well-drained, acidic soil.

Our Favorites

'Butterflies' Magnolia
Known for its fragrant, yellow tulip-like flowers, this variety grows up to 20ft tall on a single trunk (also grows as multi-stem) with a compact, pyramidal form.

'Royal Star' Magnolia
A shrub-like form that reaches up to 10-15ft tall and features showy, white star-shaped white flowers.

'Galaxy' Magnolia
Larger, tree form magnolia with upright branches (great for narrow spaces) and large, pink flowers that bloom late enough to avoid spring frost damage.

'Ann' Magnolia
Over-sized dark pink flowers that bloom a little later for a lower risk of frost damage. Noted for its shrubby form that reaches 10-15 ft tall.