Everything You Need To Know about Jane Magnolia Trees
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Jane magnolia trees provide a burst of color with fragrant, reddish-purple blossoms that appear in late spring. Like the other seven “Little Girl” varieties, the Jane magnolias are compact enough for small yards and cold-hardy enough to bloom even in northern states.
You can grow Jane magnolias as small trees, or plant them in clusters and prune them into shrubs for a privacy screen. Our guide covers everything you need to know about adding these low-maintenance flowering trees to your garden.
Jane Magnolia Trees at a Glance
Appearance
Jane magnolia trees can be trained into either shrubs or small trees. In either case, these hybrid magnolias have a pleasing rounded shape and multiple stems.
Their stunning display begins in late spring when large, fragrant flowers burst forth on bare branches.
As the 8-inch blooms fade, leathery ovate leaves emerge. The lush, dark green foliage transitions to yellow, copper, and bronze colors in the fall before dropping for winter.
Jane magnolias typically reach 10–15 feet tall when fully mature, with a maximum spread of 8–12 feet. They grow slowly at a rate of about a foot or less per year.
Jane Magnolia Specifications
Not sure if the Jane magnolia is the best option for your space? This handy chart will help you make an informed decision.
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Appearance |
Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with rounded shape. Bloom with 8-inch tulip-shaped flowers in late spring that are reddish-purple on the outside and white inside. Dark, leathery green leaves in summer that turn yellow or bronze in autumn and fall in winter |
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Height |
10–15 feet |
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Hardiness Zones |
Zones 4–8 |
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Type of tree |
Deciduous |
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Sunlight requirements |
Full sun to partial shade |
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Soil composition |
Highly adaptable but prefers moist, neutral to slightly acidic soil |
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones indicate the regions where plants can grow based on minimum winter temperatures. Though many magnolia trees will only bloom in the South, Jane magnolias can bloom in Zones 4–8, a broad swath of the country. Most areas other than southern Texas, California, and Florida and northern Minnesota, Montana, and North Dakota are suitable.
Planting
The best times to plant Jane magnolia trees are in spring and fall. We recommend taking these steps:
- Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade and is sheltered from the wind. If you live in a cool region, full sun is ideal, but if you live in a warmer climate, your Jane magnolia will need partial shade in the afternoon.
- Clear away any weeds, debris, or turfgrass.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and slightly less deep.
- As you remove the soil, add compost or manure.
- Place the root ball in the center of the hole and backfill it halfway.
- Pour water up to the top of the hole.
- Once the water has drained away, add the remaining soil.
- Lay down 2–3 inches of organic mulch over the roots, being careful not to touch the trunk. This will help the soil conserve moisture.
If you plan to use Jane magnolias as part of a privacy screen, check out the video below. Landscaping expert Roger Cook demonstrates how to plant a living privacy screen with a combination of ornamental grasses, evergreens, and deciduous shrubs.
Growing Conditions
Jane magnolias are highly adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, and they only need an average amount of water.
Sun and Shade
Jane magnolia trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. In cooler regions, more direct sunlight is better, but if you live in a warm climate, your Jane magnolia will benefit from shade in the afternoon. The trees require a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Soil
Jane magnolia trees are highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, clay, and silty. They prefer moist, well-drained, neutral-to-slightly acidic soils.
Watering
Your Jane magnolia needs to be watered two to three times a week for its first growing season. You will need to increase the frequency if it’s very hot—watering every two to three days until the ground is soaked up to 8 inches.
In other conditions, you only need to water your Jane magnolia tree if the surrounding soil is dry. Test this by inserting your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Fertilizing
Lay down a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic compost every fall. Feed your Jane magnolia in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every two to three years.
Pruning
As a general rule, Jane magnolia trees do not require pruning unless you see dead, damaged, or diseased branches. However, if you want to prune for aesthetic purposes, do so in spring after the tree has already flowered.
Our Conclusion
With its charming flowers and manageable size, the Jane magnolia is a versatile choice for many landscapes. This easy-to-care-for tree can thrive in colder climates than other magnolias, adding a touch of springtime beauty to your yard. Just be sure to place it in either full sun or partial shade, depending on where you live.
FAQ About Jane Magnolia Trees
How big will a Jane magnolia get?
Jane magnolia trees will typically get 10–15 feet tall with a spread of 8–12 feet. However, some can get 20–25 feet tall and up to 20 feet wide. You can also train them into a shrub shape.
Are Jane magnolias the same as a tulip tree?
No, Jane magnolia trees and tulip trees are not the same, though they are often confused because of their tulip-shaped flowers. The tulip tree is a completely different species that can grow up to 150 feet tall.
Are the Jane magnolia flowers fragrant?
Yes, Jane magnolia tree flowers have a light fragrance.
Do you need to prune Jane magnolias?
No, Jane magnolias do not require pruning unless they have dead, damaged, or diseased branches. However, you can prune them to achieve or maintain a certain shape.
Where is the best place to plant a Jane magnolia?
The best place to plant a Jane magnolia tree is in a well-drained spot with full sun to partial shade.
What is the difference between Ann and Jane magnolias?
The difference between Ann and Jane magnolias lies in their size, timing, and color. Anne magnolias are smaller and bloom earlier, with 6- to 8-petaled blossoms that reddish-purple inside and out. Jane magnolia grow larger and bloom later, with 8- to 10-petaled blossoms that are reddish-purple on the outside and white inside.
Are Jane magnolias messy?
Jane magnolias can be messy because they shed their leaves in the fall. However, they are relatively low-maintenance and do not drop many fruits or seeds.
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