What is one of the most handsome and durable native trees in our Southern landscapes?

It is the grand Southern magnolia. It grows well in Georgia and is considered the aristocrat of all Southern trees, with its fragrant white blossoms and glossy evergreen foliage.

Magnolia grandiflora is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 20 feet within 10 years of planting. It is important to keep this in mind when selecting a location for one. That is why it is most frequently grown as a single specimen tree in a landscape. It can also provide an excellent row of hedges to define property lines. Its textured leaves provide an attractive background for shrubs, especially evergreens. The tree is adaptable to a variety of soils and has very few pest problems.

Magnolias can be grown in sun or partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained acidic soils. If watered, container-grown Southern magnolias can be planted almost any time of the year. Balled-and-burlapped trees are usually transplanted from August to October.

Don't be alarmed if a transplant sheds leaves during the first growing season. This is caused by transplant shock, and as long as some of the terminal leaves are retained and there is new growth, the tree will recover.

When the tree is small, prune out any side branches that compete with the main one. Most horticulturists agree it is better to leave lower limbs to retain the natural shape of the tree. Another advantage is that the lower branches hide a large percentage of the leaves the tree normally sheds each spring.

When planting a Southern magnolia, make sure the root ball is level with the soil surface, then backfill with native soil. Apply about 4 inches of mulch, and do not fertilize until the tree is established and putting forth new growth. A light application of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer during the first three growing seasons three times a year should be sufficient. After that, one application per year will suffice.

Recommended cultivars include claudia wannamaker and majestic beauty, which can reach 50 feet tall with a dense canopy. A smaller magnolia is the little gem.

Plant a Southern magnolia, if you have the room, and watch it grow to stunning proportions.

Wanda Cannon is a Master Gardener trained through the Hall County program and also serves as Master Gardener coordinator and horticulture assistant for the Hall County Extension office. Phone: 770-535-8293.