Once you’ve seen a magnolia, you’re not likely to forget its beauty. The tree’s waxy flowers are a delight in any garden and often fill it with an unforgettable fragrance. Can magnolia trees grow in zone 5? While some magnolia species, like southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), won’t tolerate zone 5 winters, you’ll find attractive specimens that will. If you want to know about the best magnolia trees for zone 5 or have other questions about zone 5 magnolia trees, read on.
Can Magnolia Trees Grow in Zone 5?
Many types of magnolias are available in commerce, including trees with flowers that are pink, purple, white, or yellow. Most magnolia blossoms are very lovely and fragrant. They have been called the emblematic flower of the old south. If you think of magnolias as only heat-loving southern belles, think again. You can find magnolia trees suited for virtually every growing location and many different hardiness zones. Can magnolia trees grow in zone 5? Yes, they can, as long as you pick appropriate zone 5 magnolia trees.
Best Magnolia Trees for Zone 5
One of the best magnolia trees for zone 5 is star magnolia (Magnolia kobus var. stellata). This big-name magnolia is very popular in northern nurseries and gardens. An early bloomer, star magnolia takes its place among the most beautiful of magnolias in zone 5. Its blossoms are huge and very fragrant. Another of the top magnolia trees in zone 5 gardens is the cucumber tree magnolia (Magnolia acuminata), native to this country. Bearing leaves up to 10 inches (23 cm.) long, the cucumber tree magnolia can grow to 50 feet (15 cm.) tall with 3 inch (8 cm.) blossoms that appear in late spring. The flowers are followed by cucumber-like fruit. If you like the star species but prefer to plant taller magnolia trees in zone 5, consider the hybrid magnolia called 'Merrill.’ It results from crosses between Magnolia kobus trees and the shrubby variety stellata. It’s a cold-hardy early bloomer and grows to two stories in height. A few other species to consider as magnolia trees in zone 5 include 'Ann' and ‘Betty’ magnolia cultivars, both of which grow to 10 feet (3 m.). ‘Yellow Bird’ (Magnolia x brooklynensis 'Yellow Bird') and 'Butterflies' magnolia top out at between 15 and 20 feet (5-6 m.).