Here's Why You'll Want A Jane Magnolia Tree In Your Yard

Every yard should have at least one magnolia tree. These beautiful flowering trees are breathtaking when they bloom. That's why you'll see them flooding numerous social media feeds, and Jane magnolia trees are no exception. These petite trees produce beautiful, fragrant purple flowers that look gorgeous and smell good, too. While many types of magnolia trees prefer warmer Southern weather, Jane magnolias are cold hardy meaning they can grow in colder areas.

Jane magnolia trees reach a height of about 10 to 15 feet tall and grow to be approximately 8 to 12 feet wide. This makes them perfect for smaller yards. These magnolias are quite easy to care for and resistant to both pests and diseases. They are beautiful year-round, though they really shine in late spring when they produce large showy flowers. They sometimes bloom again in the late summer. Birds love the seeds and foliage of this lovely tree. This small tree makes a bold impact in any yard.

It's pretty easy to grow and care for a Jane magnolia tree. First, start by figuring out what hardiness zone you are located in to determine if a Jane magnolia will grow in your region. Jane magnolias grow in zones 4 through 8. You can look up your hardiness zone on the USDA website. You can plant your Jane magnolia in the spring or fall. Jane magnolias can grow in partial shade or full sun. Full sun is ideal in colder climates. If you live in a warmer area, choose partial shade.

Dig a hole twice as deep as the root ball and three times as wide. Add compost or peat moss to the soil that you remove. Place the root ball in the hole, and fill it halfway up with the dirt and compost mixture. Use your garden hose to water the hole. Once you have watered the roots well, fill the hole the rest of the way up with the dirt mixture. Spread about two inches of mulch on top of the covered-up hole. The mulch will help the roots get established.

You will need to water your Jane magnolia two to three times per week for the first season. During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently. After the first year, water the magnolia whenever the soil gets dry. Every two years, fertilize your Jane magnolia in the spring using a slow-release fertilizer. In the fall, you can add a three-inch layer of organic compost to the soil.

As far as pruning, your Jane magnolia tree should not need much. These trees don't heal well after a lot of pruning. If you do need to remove diseased or dead branches, you can do that in the spring after the tree has flowered. Jane magnolia trees should not be pruned in the fall. For the most part, Jane magnolia trees are resistant to diseases and pests. If you do notice brown leaves, this is probably caused by not watering the magnolia enough and you should increase the frequency of watering.