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By Kurt On April 23, 2012make a Comment
The Saucer Magnolia Tree is a multi-stemmed spreading tree that is much smaller in size compared to the large Magnolia trees often seen in landscapes. When blooming large colorful flowers mixed in with their shiny green leaves makes them very attractive. During the summer the large green leaves fill the tree giving them an evergreen look. In the fall the leaves will turn to a wonderful display of yellow colors. In the winter this deciduous tree shows a nice light gray bark with large fuzzy green flower buds on the tips of branches. All year long the Saucer Magnolia tree offers natural beauty.
The Saucer Magnolia tree can grow to a height of anywhere from 10 to 25 ft. with a spread of 10 to 30 ft. Some varieties will only reach 15 ft. wide making them great for along sidewalks, driveways, patios, or decks. Almost all varieties can be placed in a container or planter. Pruning up can be done for pedestrian clearance or for spacing purposes. However, older trees do not like pruning since since large wounds may not close to well. It is best to prune trees early in their life in order to train them into the form that is desired.
Growth rate for the most part is moderately fast, though some types grow slower than others. As the tree reaches an age of around 20 years growth rate tends to slow down. When young the Saucer Magnolia tree starts growing upright and then eventually becoming oval in shape by the time it reaches 10 years old.
The Saucer Magnolia Tree begins to flower in late winter to the early spring. Some varieties will bloom earlier than others while some can start blooming later. Depending upon the tree variety the flower color can be either pure white, white with a pink shade, white with a purple shade, or a deep purple single color. No matter what flower color each individual tree species produces they are all showy and eye catching. At the end of this article is some information on Saucer Magnolia Tree varieties.
Saucer Magnolia Tree Placement
A Saucer Magnolia tree will do best if placed in a sunny location. This way the tree can develop a symmetrical crown. They can be grown in partial sun as long as the tree gets the right amount of filtered sunlight. If placed in an area that is totally shaded they will grow to be thin and leggy.
Saucer Magnolia trees prefer soil that is rich and slightly acidic. They cannot grow well in soil that is alkaline. They can be grown in sandy or clay soil as long as they receive proper fertilization, using a slow-release well balanced granular tree and shrub fertilizer.
They need to be in well drained soil so they do not stay soaking wet all the time. The Saucer Magnolia tree will tolerate too much water for only a short period of time. For trees placed in pots make sure the pot can drain and avoid any over-watering. It is good to keep the soil just moist and not dry.
It is best to plant Saucer Magnolia trees in the ground during the spring before new growth is about to begin. This way the tree will become well established with a good foundation before fall and winter arrives. It is not recommended to plant them in the fall. Fertilize newly planted Magnolia trees during the first 30 days after planting. Then fertilize in the middle of the summer and in the early fall. Once again use a slow-release well balanced granular tree and shrub fertilizer. Water in after applying.
Saucer Magnolia Tree Pests and Diseases
The most common pest found on Magnolia trees is scale. Magnolia scale is usually white in color and is seen on the branches and leaves. They can be stopped by spraying them on contact using horticultural oil. Make sure they are covered very thoroughly in order to get them. Spraying a liquid systemic insecticide can be more effective for the tree absorbs the chemical eventually killing the scale.
Most common disease found is leaf spot caused by a fungus or bacteria. Treat spraying liquid fungicide thoroughly so the tree can absorb it. Rake up infected leaves that fall on the ground. Diseases can be avoided if the tree is kept healthy with regular fertilization and by proper watering.
Regular inspections can identify pest problems early and when treated right away infestations can be avoided. A regular program of insect and disease control keeps trees in the best condition possible.
Magnolia Tree Varieties
Saucer Magnolia Tree Varieties For USDA Hardiness Zones 5A – 9A
Alba : Is the fastest growing of all Saucer Magnolia tree varieties. Grows to a height of 20 to 25 ft. with a spread of 20 to 30 ft. Blooms late winter to early spring. Is the last to bloom of all varieties. Flower color is almost completely white with little pink shade.
Burgundy : Grows at a moderately fast rate to a height of 20 to 25 ft. with a spread of 20 to 30 ft. Blooms late winter to early spring. Blooms earlier than other varieties. Flowers are larger with a deep-purple color.
Lilliputian : Grows at a slow rate to a height of 12 to 15 ft. with a spread of 10 to 18 ft. Blooms in late winter to early spring. Flowers are smaller with a totally pink color, has no white shade.
Speciosa : Grows at a moderately fast rate to a height of 20 to 25 ft. with a spread of 20 to 30 ft. Blooms in late winter to early spring. In warmer climates it is late blooming. Flower color is white shaded in pink.
Verbanica : Grows at a slow rate to a height of 10 to 15 ft. with a spread of 10 to 15 ft. Blooms in late winter to early spring. It is late in blooming. Flowers are larger with a color of white with pink or purple at the base of the petals.
Check local nurseries for varieties available in your location
More homeowners today are finding out that the Saucer Magnolia Tree is a great choice. It’s smaller size makes it perfect for any landscaping situation. Planted as a specimen tree or placed in a planter it fits just about every location. Saucer Magnolia tress are becoming very popular and we will be seeing more of them.
Kurt Kmetz
Recent Posts
By Kurt On June 10, 2011
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Even though tropical palm trees can experience problems during the winter, there are some cold hardy palms. Palm trees in Florida adaptable to cooler climates can be found in landscape nurseries. Some palm tree types that are found in central and southern Florida can also do good in north Florida.
Listed here are some cold hardy palms that add a tropical appearance around your home and landscape.
Windmill Palm Trees
A very popular palm tree, excellent for any landscape. It is one of the most cold hardy palms for cooler climates. Height range is from 5-10 feet tall. It has a slender erect solitary trunk with fan shaped leaves. Very adaptable to any soil condition. Used as borders or as a base plant and is also good for patios in a large pot. Has high salt tolerance so it is good for seaside locations.
Pindo Palm Tree
Grows to a height range of 10-20 feet tall. Has a heavy trunk with feather shaped leaves that are low growing. Leaves have a bluish-gray color. It is a slow grower that will need ample space to develop. Used as a border or base in a landscape. Very adaptable to any soil. It is the most cold hardy palms, with feather shaped leaves.
European Fan Palm
It has a height range of 2-5 feet. This is one of the most widely used dwarf, clump growing, palm tree types with fan shaped leaves. It is a slow grower that is used for borders or as a base plant. It is also good for patios in a large pot. Excellent as a small plant for homes. It tolerates many types of soils and has a high salt tolerance, which makes it good for beach side plantings, or along seawalls.
Dwarf Date Palm
This is a trunk less species of cold hardy palms that will grow in clusters with a height of 3-5 feet tall. It does need plenty of room for it’s spreading leaves. It grows best in full sun and is extremely drought tolerant. It is native from northern India to southern China.
Cold Hardy Palms Sonoran Palmetto Species
This palm is a distinct-looking palm tree species of Sabal. The leaves range in color from bluish-green to silver. It has a thick trunk and grows 30-40 feet tall. It is a slow grower so will take years to reach it’s full height. It loves full sun and is very drought tolerant. It is native to northwestern Mexico.
Phoenix Loureirol
It is primarily a thin, single-stemmed type of cold hardy palms, that grow to a height of 10-15 feet tall. However there are forms that are clustering. The fronds have thin leaflets with colors that vary from bluish-green to totally green. It can grow well in full sun or partial shade. It is drought tolerant and adapts to infertile soils. It is widely native from India to southern China, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
As you can see there are palm tree types that are considered to be cold hardy palms. Cold weather palm trees can be placed in landscapes in areas that experience cooler climates. You can enjoy the tropical look and not have to worry about the cold weather hurting them.
Kurt Kmetz
By Kurt On June 3, 2011
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The crape myrtle tree is great for Florida’s climate throughout north, central, and southern regions. Often used in landscapes as a beautiful tree with lots of color when blooming. Proper crape myrtle tree care is needed for good health and growth. Flowering begins in June continues through the summer on into early fall.
Clusters of buds on the tips of branches produce hundreds of 1-2 inch blooming flowers. Crape myrtle tree types consist of the colors, red, white, lavender or pink, and purple. Leaves are 1-4 inches long and turn red in spring, dark green in summer. In northern Florida tree leaves will turn yellow, orange, red in the fall.
Tree Placement
The time to plant container-grown crape myrtle trees is during early summer when in active growth. Balled or burlapped crape myrtles should be planted while dormant. Place in full sun for they do poorly in shaded areas. Plant in well drained soil for they don’t like soil that stays wet and soggy. Trees need good air circulation to avoid having problems. Crape myrtle trees have a low salt tolerance level, so do not plant close to sea walls or seaside locations.
Watering Crape Myrtles
A newly planted tree needs to be watered regularly for the first three weeks, for good root establishment. When established watering every two weeks is sufficient for crape myrtle tree care. When fully mature crape myrtle trees are drought tolerant and can go without watering for a month, if there is no rainfall or problems with irrigation.
Fertilizer Crape Myrtle Tree Care
Crape myrtle trees when mature do not need to be fertilized very often. When placed in the middle of lawns they receive nutrients from lawn fertilization. Mature trees in other locations need one application a year in spring. However newly planted trees require fertilization in the beginning up to three times the first year. Early crape myrtle tree care will help stimulate growth for young trees.
Crape Myrtle Tree Care For Pests and Problems
Primary pests are powdery mildew and the aphid insect which produces “Black Sooty Mold” . A program of spraying a systemic pesticide and fungicide for crape myrtle tree care can help control problems. Regular inspections will detect any problems early, to avoid spreading. Sprays of insecticidal soaps and horticultural oil will stop aphids on contact.
Aphid insects are pale yellow in color found underneath the leaves and are attracted to new growth. Infested leaves will become distorted and the new growth is stunted. Aphids suck the juices out of stems, and eventually can severely injure the tree. Aphids reproduce quickly and will spread to other trees close by, without immediate insecticidal crape myrtle tree care.
Aphids secrete droplets containing a sugary solution called ” Honey Dew “, which produces ” Black Sooty Mold ” on leaves and stems. It interferes with the leaves from getting sunlight hindering photosynthesis.
Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus and is seen first on new shoots. Then it spreads to the leaves, stems, and flowers. They will also become distorted and stunted from this problem. When severe leaves will drop and buds fail to open. Trees planted in shade and in locations with poor air circulation will have problems with powdery mildew. Also continuous wetting of leaves from irrigation staying wet and do not dry from sun can cause it to occur.
The crape myrtle tree is one of the most common part a Florida landscape. Trees can be seen along our roads, highways, and parks. During the summer with loads of blooming colorful flowers, they are attractive and eye catching. With good crape myrtle tree care they will offer a beautiful setting for years.
Kurt Kmetz
