Tree Indiana Native Magnolia acuminata [Cucumbertree Magnolia] This tree gets it name from the cucumber-looking fruits it bears in the fall. Full sun is best, although it has tolerance for partial shade. Because the roots are thick and fleshy and grow downward more than out, it can be moderately difficult to transplant. Generally trouble-free, but scale can be a problem on occasion. This species may not be ideal for street tree plantings because of a tendency to suffer ice damage.
Tree Magnolia acuminata 'Yellow Bird' [Yellow Bird Magnolia] 'Yellow Bird' is a cultivar that has a pyramidal habit and is fast growing. Its flowers are almost non-fragrant, yellow with a greenish tinge at the base of outer tepals. Tepals are longer than the straight species, reaching 3" to 4" long. Since it flowers later, flowering is more dependable without the threat of frosts.
Tree Magnolia × 'Ann' [Ann Magnolia] 'Ann' is a cross between M. liliiflora 'Nigra' and M. stellata 'Rosea'. It was developed by the National Arboretum as a part of a hybrid series called the Little Girl series. These plants flower 2-4 weeks later than other Magnolias which reduces risk of damage due to late spring frost. Flowers are slightly fragrant.
Tree Magnolia 'Galaxy' [Magnolia] 'Galaxy' is a later bloomer than other varieties which gives in better frost protection, but its best to protect this tree from strong winds. It has pink-purple fragrant flowers and medium leaves formed on whorl-like clusters.
Tree Magnolia grandiflora [Southern Magnolia] A majestic, upright, heavily branched tree and a favorite in the south. Can get scale and bacterial leaf spot. Leaves fall but never seem to decompose. Fruits can be a little messy. Takes 15 to 20 years from seed to flower. Mostly seed propagated so morphological variability between seed grown plants is great.
Tree Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' [Little Gem Southern Magnolia] Though the straight species of Magnolia gradiflora is not hardy in Indiana, 'Little Gem' can be hardy up to zone 6(7). If planted, place in an area that is protected from winter winds and extreme temperature drops, such as an enclosed courtyard. 'Little Gem' is a dwarf cultivar of the Southern Magnolia, ranging from 15' to 20' in height and 10' in width. Typically seen as more of a shrub from, rather than the iconic…
Shrub/Tree Magnolia × 'Jane' [Jane Magnolia] The Jane Magnolia is a shrubby magnolia that produces beautiful, large deep pink-purple flowers 2-4 weeks later than Magnolia stellata and M. x soulangeana, reducing the rick of frost damage. Flowers again sporadically throughout the summer. Part of the Little Girls Hybrid Series.
Shrub/Tree Magnolia liliiflora [Lily Magnolia] Magnolia liliiflora is a shrubby tree that produces large, showy deep rose pink-purple flowers in mid-spring. Foliage is often tattered or altogether absent by late summer or early fall. This species is a parent in many Magnolia hybrids, including the Saucer Magnolia, M. x soulangeana.
Tree Magnolia × loebneri [Loebner Magnolia] The Loebner Magnolia is a small, rounded, vigorous tree that produces large, fragrant, white flowers in early spring. Plant in a protected location to prevent spring frosts from damaging the flowers.
Tree Magnolia × loebneri 'Encore' [Encore Loebner Magnolia] Encore Loebner Magnolia has a more rounded, compact habit than the hybrid Magnolia x loebneri, reaching 10-12' in height. This cutlivar has anywhere from 18 to 25 tepals that are pink-tinged at the base. Plant in a protected location to prevent spring frosts from damaging the flowers.