Many varieties of magnolia thrive in Illinois
Q. How should I choose and plant a magnolia this fall?
A. If any small tree captures the image of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, it's the Magnolia grandiflora, with its beautiful white blooms and emerald green leaves. However, this species prefers subtropical climates and will not survive our Chicago winters reliably.
To bring a bit of the South into your yard, get a mint julep and a hoop skirt, but avoid the grandiflora and consider the star magnolia (Magnolia stellate), the saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana), or Loebner's magnolia (Magnolia loebneri). Each of these magnolias will survive in our area and also have cultivated varieties of which to choose. There are also two native options - sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) or umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala).
Keep in mind our Zone 5 conditions tax magnolias. If you can give them a sheltered location, they will do better. The disadvantage of a sheltered location is if we have an early spring, they may start to bud, then fall victim to a hard frost. Our star magnolia often seems to be subjected to a hard rain, or frost at peak bloom.
Still, if you've toured the Morton Arboretum when the magnolia collection is peaking, there are few small trees that can rival the pinks, fuschias, whites and even bright yellows of the magnolias in full bloom. There are numerous cultivars available and one's preference for flower type, color, scent and height will dictate which cultivar is most suitable.
In general, magnolias prefer full sun, or light shade, and a slightly acidic, moist soil with good drainage. They range in mature size from 15-30 feet, with star magnolias being slightly smaller. Loebner and star varieties will be fragrant, while saucer varieties will have showier flowers, but rarely fragrant. Fragrance tends to be subtle and subjective. I can capture the scent, but it eludes my wife, whose sense of smell is usually more refined than mine.
Magnolias are mostly pest free, but will encounter issues with scale and drought. Scale is best defended against by use of dormant oil sprays in the non-growing season. Squirrels seem to have a penchant for chewing off the buds on ours, but we gather the blooms and float them in saucers for a nice table display.
Select a specimen of suitable size for your site, excavate an appropriate size hole that is twice that of the root ball, and ensure the roots are not circularly bound in the potting container (cut off or straighten out any that are). Water generously through the late summer and early fall season. Avoid fertilizer at planting.
The roots should establish well and although you may not have the show next spring to have your neighbors say, "Why Miss Scarlett, ah do declare!," as the tree grows more limbs, your blooms should increase annually.
- Matt Steichmann
• Provided by Master Gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines, and University of Illinois Extension, North Cook Branch Office, Arlington Heights. Call (847) 298-3502 on Wednesdays or email northcookmg@gmail.com. Visit web.extension.illinois.edu/mg.