Magnolia grandiflora
Light: Full sun to partial shade; in Phoenix, favor morning sun and afternoon shade, especially for young trees. Avoid reflected heat from walls and pavement.
Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix. Irrigate deeply across the root zone, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Check moisture frequently during summer; do not manage as a desert-adapted tree.
Soil: Deep, well-drained, organically enriched soil; slightly acidic soil is preferred. Phoenix’s alkaline soils can limit nutrient uptake. Maintain organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Mature size: Typically 60–80 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide under favorable conditions; often smaller in Phoenix. Compact cultivars remain substantially smaller.
Bloom: Large, fragrant flowers appear mainly in late spring and early summer, with occasional additional summer blooms. Seed-grown trees may take many years to flower.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; older leaves shed throughout the year, often heavily in spring.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate; growth may be slower under Phoenix heat and alkaline soil conditions.