Other Names:  Southern Magnolia

Description:

An impressively sized tree, smothered in showy and fragrant white cup-shaped flowers from spring through summer; large glossy leaves with brown undersides and a naturally open, pyramidal habit of growth

Ornamental Features

D.D. Blanchard Magnolia is smothered in stunning fragrant white cup-shaped flowers held atop the branches from early spring to late summer. It has dark green foliage with brown undersides. The large glossy pointy leaves remain dark green throughout the winter. The fruits are showy red pods displayed from early to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

D.D. Blanchard Magnolia is a dense evergreen tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

D.D. Blanchard Magnolia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

D.D. Blanchard Magnolia will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 35 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.