Magnolia trees in bloom are gorgeous and extremely fragrant. But they take a long time to grow, and the blooms do not stay around long. So, can magnolia trees bloom twice a year? We researched whether this is possible and what factors impact the blooms of a magnolia tree.
Yes, magnolia trees can bloom twice a year, but it is not common. Some varieties can bloom once in early spring and once in late summer. Chinese or Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) varieties are the ones that most often bloom twice.
In this post, we'll take a look at the care and other factors that impact when and how often your magnolia tree blooms. So be sure to keep reading.
![A Magnolia tree with its leaves blooming gorgeously, Can Magnolia Trees Bloom Twice A Year? [Including In Florida, Texas, And California]](https://gardentabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Can-Magnolia-Trees-Bloom-Twice-A-Year-Including-In-Florida-Texas-And-California-683x1024.png)
Do Magnolia Trees Bloom Twice A Year?
Magnolia trees can bloom twice a year, but it is not common. If they do bloom twice a year, the first bloom is usually in early spring, and the second is in late summer. Variety and health have the most significant impact on how often magnolia trees bloom.
Variety impacts both how often magnolia trees bloom and when they bloom. There are many different kinds of magnolia trees, so pick a variety according to your preferences.
Magnolia trees are quite fussy and need to be in excellent condition to bloom. They need to have enough light, with most varieties wanting full sun. Magnolia trees also need properly watered and good soil.
When Do Magnolia Trees Bloom?
While the variety has the largest impact on when magnolia trees bloom, location is also an important factor. In general, magnolia trees bloom sometime between February and June.
Unfortunately, the flowers usually do not last long. Most varieties only bloom for less than two weeks. However, magnolia trees can bloom longer if they are given proper care.
Florida
Florida's heat makes it perfect for growing magnolia trees. Magnolia trees in Florida generally bloom from May to June.
The southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) does particularly well in Florida. While the southern magnolia can be a massive plant, it is relatively easy going and does not mind some shade. However, the southern magnolia has tender roots, so be careful when transplanting it.
Texas
Because of Texas's warm climate and temperate winters, magnolia trees usually thrive. Common varieties of magnolia trees in Texas bloom in early spring. Most often, from February to April.
While Texas can accommodate many different varieties of magnolia trees, the Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellate) will do exceptionally well. Star magnolias are popular because of their small size and striking star-shaped blooms.
California
Because California has so many different hardiness zones and can accommodate so many different magnolias, there isn't a set blooming time.
There is a wide range of blooming times for California magnolia trees, depending on location. However, early to late spring blooming is common. So around March and April.
Saucer magnolias (Magnolia x soulangiana) generally do well in California. They are hardy in zones five through eight. This variety is particularly prone to blooming twice, once in spring and the other around July.
Because California has such a range of climates, make sure you check your specific hardiness zone. Knowing your hardiness zone will help you pick varieties that will thrive in your area.
Do Magnolia Trees Bloom Every Year?
As long as your magnolia tree is of age and in the proper climate, they usually bloom every year. Once a magnolia tree begins to bloom, it usually continues to bloom for the rest of its life. Newly transplanted magnolias and unhealthy magnolias are exceptions to this.
Newly transplanted magnolias usually will not bloom, even if they are old enough. This is because the plant is still using energy to establish itself in its new home.
Likewise, damaged or unhealthy magnolias also do not usually bloom. If a tree was damaged by transplanting, pests, or frost, it might not have the resources to bloom. Blooming takes a lot of time and energy from the plant, so it just be recovering.
How Old Does A Magnolia Tree Have To Be To Bloom?
How old a magnolia tree has to be to bloom depends on the variety. Some varieties start blooming as young as three years old, but many do not bloom until the tree is at least ten years old.
Magnolia trees can live up to 120 years old, so, relatively, ten years is not long to wait for blooms.
How Do You Winterize A Magnolia Tree?
Because many magnolia trees are deciduous, they will lose their leaves in the winter. Like the evergreen southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), there are a few varieties, which will not lose their leaves. However, this is not common.
If being leafy and green all year long is something you want your magnolia tree to do, look for evergreen varieties.
Magnolias do not thrive in particularly cold areas and do not like an untimely frost.
If your magnolia tree has developed blooms already, but you expect a frost, you may lose some blooms. You can limit the damage by mulching the base of the tree. If the tree is small enough, cover it.
While short frosts usually do not kill magnolia trees, they can do quite a bit of damage, especially to young blooms. Magnolias are generally not cold tolerant and will not thrive in zones other than five through nine.
If you live in zones seven through nine, you probably do not need to worry about extra overwintering care. However, zones six and colder should mulch their magnolias thoroughly and not fertilize out of season.
You can find some varieties that will do alright in zone four. In particular, the star magnolia (Magnolia kobus var. stellata) is cold hardy and can withstand zone four. However, they may need a bit of extra care and protection.
After winter and the threat of frost has passed, take time to prune your magnolia tree carefully. Do not over prune, or it will stress the plant and make it difficult to recover.
Why Didn't Your Magnolia Tree Bloom this Year?
The first thing to look at if your magnolia tree didn't bloom is the climate. Are you in a hardiness zone your magnolia variety does well in?
Magnolia trees are not particularly cold-hardy. So, when they are taken out of the proper area, they will not bloom. When purchasing your magnolia tree, make sure to keep hardiness zones in mind.
If you find out you are in a colder hardiness zone than your magnolia tree tolerates, mulch it often. If you are not successful after a few more years of trying to get it to bloom, consider getting a new tree better suited to your area.
One of the main reasons magnolia trees do not bloom is age. Even if your magnolia tree is ten years old, it may take another few years to mature enough to bloom.
Health is another factor that impacts your magnolia tree's blooms. If a pest ate your magnolia tree or it was otherwise damaged, it may not be healthy enough to bloom.
If your magnolia tree is in a suitable climate, is old enough, and is in good health, consider giving it some fertilizer to promote blooming.
As long as the tree is in generally good condition, look for a blooming fertilizer. Choosing a fertilizer with too much nitrogen (N) may promote leaf growth rather than flower growth.
Click here to see this bloom promoting fertilizer on Amazon.
In Closing
To recap, magnolia trees can bloom twice a year, but they usually do not. Varieties like the Chinese or saucer magnolia are more prone to blooming twice. So, choose a magnolia variety depending on your needs. Magnolia trees are prone to frost. When choosing a variety, location is key.
Finally, magnolia trees may not bloom at all, that is okay. If a magnolia tree does not bloom, it usually means it is recovering. Be patient and give your plant time to grow!