Dwarf Magnolia Trees

Ahhhh, magnolia trees. They are beautiful, fragrant, and majestic. The large scented blooms are stunning and make these trees highly sought after. Did you know that magnolia trees are ancient? They have been around for millions and millions of years. This explains why these flowering trees are so hardy and adaptable. Many magnolia trees grow to immense heights, but most of us can’t fit these huge trees in our yards. Enter dwarf magnolia trees. Get your magnolia fix in a compact package perfect for your yard.

Dwarf Magnolia Tree Varieties

Butterflies Magnolia

Magnolia 'Butterflies'

Growing Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Mature Height: 15 to 20 feet tall

Mature Spread: 10 to 15 feet wide

Tree Type: Deciduous

Butterflies Magnolia trees bloom in late winter or early spring depending on your climate. The amazing and unique yellow flowers make this upright pyramidal tree really pop. The flower cycle only lasts a couple of weeks, but the bloom is outstanding and incredibly profuse. 

Jane Magnolia Tree

Magnolia x 'Jane'

Growing Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Mature Height: 10 to 15 feet tall

Mature Spread: 6 to 10 feet wide

Tree Type: Deciduous

This mini magnolia tree often grows more like a bush than a tree. The tulip shape flowers are purple with hints of red and pink and a white interior. This tree blooms in spring and often reblooms in summer as well. Jane Magnolia trees make an attractive hedge or function well as a focal tree in a small yard. 

Little Gem Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Growing Zones 6, 7, 8, 9

Mature Height: 20 feet tall

Mature Spread: 10 feet wide

Tree Type: Evergreen

The Little Gem is the tree for you if you love the traditional Southern Magnolia, but don’t have the space. This evergreen magnolia tree is a dwarf version of the Southern Magnolia. It only grows to about 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide, whereas its mom can grow over 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide!

Royal Star Magnolia

Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'

Growing Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Mature Height: 10 to 15 feet tall

Mature Spread: 10 to 15 feet wide

Tree Type: Deciduous

This star magnolia has the showiest blooms of this magnolia type. The dazzling white blooms announce the arrival of spring. This dwarf magnolia tree blooms about 2 weeks later than other Magnolia stellata, making the buds and blooms much less susceptible to winter damage.

Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana

Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Mature Height: 15 to 20 feet tall

Mature Spread: 15 to 20 feet wide

Tree Type: Semi-Evergreen

This small magnolia tree is a great addition to most yards. It is very adaptable and easy to grow. It is also a fast growing flowering tree. The large white, lemon-scented flowers bloom in spring and summer. The Sweetbay Magnolia is a smaller tree, but it grows large enough to offer some nice shade.

How To Care For Magnolia Trees

Dwarf magnolia trees are easy to grow and maintain once they are established. 

• During the establishment period magnolia trees should be watered well. Water thoroughly daily for the first week, and about 2 to 3 times per week for 2 to 3 months. The goal is to get the roots growing deeply and establishing quickly. Moisture should be getting deep in the ground below the roots of your newly planted tree. Mulch is a great option to help keep the soil moist longer and your magnolia tree happy. Apply a 2 inch mound of mulch covering the entire root zone and extending out another couple of inches. 

• Magnolia trees prefer well-drained, moist soil in general, but are drought tolerant once they are established. Water deeply once a week if soil conditions are very dry.

• Fertilize these flowering trees each year with slow release fertilizer in spring to give them a boost. 

• Magnolia trees don’t generally require pruning other than to remove dead or damaged branches. And, in fact, pruning should be avoided unless necessary, especially on mature trees. Magnolia trees should be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any flower buds. If pruning for shape, trim a bit each year, rather than performing severe pruning every so often. 

Magnolia trees come in different colors, sizes, shapes, and types. They even grow in different climates. There are so many dwarf magnolia trees to choose from, and they are all gorgeous! All of these trees and more are available at PlantingTree. Browse our entire Magnolia Trees collection. Happy planting! 

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