Magnolias – Sumptuous and stately, magnolias are among the most handsome of garden trees, as well as being among the hardiest. Magnolia trees are native to East Asia and the Himalayas, eastern North America and Central America. Magnolias grow 40 to 80 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. Depending upon the species, magnolias may be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous.
Drawbacks of some of the species are their enormous size, slowness of growth and reluctance to flower until some 20 or more years after planting. Fortunately, most of the modern selections are free from these vices. The deciduous spring-flowerers make excellent features.