9 Popular Types of Magnolia Trees and Shrubs

1. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): Known for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves, the Southern magnolia is a classic favorite in gardens across the southern United States.

2. Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana): This deciduous magnolia hybrid features large, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white, blooming in early spring before the foliage emerges.

3. Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata): Star magnolias produce showy, star-shaped white or pink flowers in early spring, often with multiple blooms per stem. This compact shrub is ideal for smaller gardens.

4. Japanese Magnolia (Magnolia × loebneri): Japanese magnolias are small deciduous trees or large shrubs with pale pink or white flowers appearing in early spring before the leaves emerge.

5. Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'): A compact cultivar of Southern magnolia, Little Gem features smaller leaves and flowers, making it a popular choice for smaller landscapes and urban gardens.

6. Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata): Native to eastern North America, the cucumber tree produces greenish-yellow flowers in late spring, followed by cone-like fruits resembling cucumbers. It is the most cold-hardy magnolia species.

7. Jane Magnolia (Magnolia 'Jane'): This deciduous magnolia hybrid is prized for its fragrant, pink-purple flowers that bloom in early spring and its compact growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens.

8. Ann Magnolia (Magnolia 'Ann'): Another popular hybrid magnolia, Ann magnolia produces reddish-purple flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, adding a burst of color to the landscape.

9. Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata): Also known as the lily magnolia, Yulan magnolia is native to China and produces large, fragrant white flowers in early spring, often with a hint of pink at the base.