Magnolia Trees for Sale

The Grand Southern Magnolia in Houston Landscapes

Few trees match the elegance and drama of a Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). With its massive, glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant white blooms that can measure 10 inches across, and velvety red seed pods, the Magnolia is the crown jewel of any Houston, Katy, or Richmond landscape. At Bill Bownds Nursery, we grow both the standard Southern Magnolia and the compact Little Gem variety, giving you options whether you have a sweeping estate or a modest suburban yard.

Southern Magnolias are native to the southeastern United States and are perfectly adapted to the Houston-area climate. They tolerate our heat, humidity, and clay soils with grace, and their evergreen canopy provides shade and screening 365 days a year.

Varieties We Carry

Standard Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

The full-size Southern Magnolia is a magnificent specimen tree. It reaches 40 to 80 feet tall with a dense, pyramidal canopy that spreads 30 to 40 feet. The large, leathery leaves are dark green on top and rusty brown on the underside. Creamy white flowers appear from May through July and are intensely fragrant. This is the tree for large properties where it can reach its full potential without pruning.

Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem')

Little Gem is a compact cultivar that tops out at 20 to 30 feet tall with a narrow, columnar form just 10 to 15 feet wide. It produces the same fragrant white flowers as the standard variety, but on a smaller scale. Little Gem begins blooming at a younger age and often flowers intermittently from spring through fall. This is the ideal magnolia for smaller yards, narrow side yards, and urban landscapes where space is limited.

Growth Timeline and Mature Size

• Standard Southern Magnolia: Slow to moderate growth rate of 1 to 2 feet per year. Reaches 25 to 35 feet in 15 years. Mature height of 40 to 80 feet with 30- to 40-foot spread. Plan for the long term.
• Little Gem Magnolia: Moderate growth rate of 1 to 2 feet per year. Reaches 15 to 20 feet in 10 years. Mature height of 20 to 30 feet with a 10- to 15-foot spread. Fits in spaces where the standard variety would be too large.

Both varieties are long-lived trees that can survive for 80 to 120 years in our region. A magnolia planted today will shade generations to come.

Planting Guide for Texas Clay Soil

Magnolias have specific requirements in clay soil. Their shallow, fleshy root systems are sensitive to poor drainage and excessive soil disturbance. Follow these guidelines carefully:

Site Selection

• Full sun to partial shade. Standard Southern Magnolias prefer full sun for the densest canopy and heaviest flowering. Little Gem tolerates more shade.
• Avoid sites where water stands for more than 24 hours after rain. Good drainage is critical for magnolia health.
• Provide ample room for the mature canopy. Standard magnolias need at least 20 feet from structures. Little Gem can be planted 8 to 10 feet from a building.
• Be aware that magnolia leaf litter is heavy. The large, leathery leaves decompose slowly. Avoid planting over patios, pools, or areas where leaf drop would be problematic.

Planting Steps

• Dig the hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball and slightly shallower than the root ball height.
• The root flare must sit above the soil surface. This is especially important in clay soil where settling can bury the flare.
• Handle the root ball gently. Magnolia roots are fleshy and break easily.
• Backfill with native soil. Add a thin layer of composted pine bark on the surface to improve the microenvironment around the roots.
• Apply 4 inches of pine bark mulch or pine straw in a wide ring around the tree.
• Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture for the first two years.

Care and Maintenance

Watering

Magnolias need consistent moisture, especially during establishment. Water deeply twice per week for the first two growing seasons. Even after establishment, magnolias benefit from supplemental watering during the driest months of July and August. Unlike Live Oaks, which are highly drought-tolerant once established, magnolias appreciate a bit more attention.

Fertilizing

Apply an acidic slow-release fertilizer (such as azalea/camellia formula) in early spring and again in midsummer. Magnolias prefer slightly acidic conditions, and our naturally acidic Houston-area rainfall helps maintain appropriate soil pH. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote foliage at the expense of blooms.

Pruning

Magnolias rarely need pruning. Remove dead or damaged branches anytime. If shaping is needed, prune after the spring flowering flush. Never "limb up" a magnolia excessively. The natural habit, with branches sweeping down to the ground, is the tree's most beautiful feature. Find more magnolia care tips on our nursery blog.

Leaf Drop

Southern Magnolias are evergreen but they do drop old leaves year-round, with the heaviest drop in spring as new leaves push out old ones. This is normal. The thick leaves are slow to decompose and make a natural mulch layer under the tree.

Container Sizes Available

We carry both standard and Little Gem varieties in multiple container sizes:

• 15-gallon: 5 to 7 feet tall. A great starting point for patient gardeners. Both varieties available.
• 30-gallon: 7 to 9 feet tall. Our most popular magnolia size for residential landscapes.
• 45-gallon: 9 to 12 feet tall. A substantial tree with early bloom potential, especially Little Gem.
• 65-gallon: 12 to 14 feet tall. Standard variety develops impressive trunk caliper at this size.
• 95-gallon: 14 to 16 feet tall. A showstopper from the moment it's planted.

Available to retail customers and professional landscapers. Contact us for current availability and pricing on specific varieties.

Delivery and Professional Installation

Magnolias require careful handling during transport and planting due to their sensitive root systems. Bill Bownds Nursery provides professional delivery and installation throughout Katy, Houston, Richmond, Sugar Land, Fulshear, and the surrounding areas. Our crews know how to handle magnolias without damaging the fleshy roots, and we ensure correct planting depth for long-term success.

Create a layered evergreen landscape by combining magnolias with Eagleston Holly for mid-story screening and Crape Myrtles for summer flower color.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnolia Trees

How fast do Magnolia trees grow in Houston?

Southern Magnolias grow at a moderate rate of 1 to 2 feet per year in the Houston area. This pace may seem slow compared to oaks, but Magnolias compensate with dense, year-round foliage that provides screening from the moment you plant them. Little Gem Magnolias, a compact cultivar popular for smaller lots, grow at a similar rate but top out at 20 to 25 feet instead of the 60 to 80 feet of a standard Southern Magnolia. Both types benefit from Houston's long growing season and respond well to consistent watering during their first two summers. Once established, Magnolias maintain steady growth with minimal intervention. Their glossy, dark-green leaves and large white blooms make them one of the most ornamental shade trees available.

What size Magnolia should I buy?

Magnolias transplant best from containers, and we recommend 30- to 45-gallon sizes for most residential applications. A 30-gallon Southern Magnolia stands 8 to 10 feet tall and has enough foliage to be an immediate focal point. For tight spaces or formal plantings, Little Gem Magnolias in 15- or 30-gallon containers are ideal — their compact growth habit works well as a privacy screen, accent tree, or courtyard specimen. If you want a large statement tree immediately, our 65- and 95-gallon Southern Magnolias are mature specimens that will anchor a landscape from day one. We invite you to visit Bill Bownds Nursery and walk our Magnolia inventory to find the perfect size for your property.

Do Magnolias grow well in clay soil?

Magnolias grow well in Houston-area clay soil as long as drainage is adequate. Unlike Live Oaks and Red Oaks that tolerate periodic waterlogging, Magnolias prefer consistently moist but not saturated soil. In areas where clay drainage is poor, planting the root ball 2 to 3 inches above grade is critical — this prevents the crown rot that kills more newly planted Magnolias than any other factor. Adding a generous 4-inch layer of mulch over the root zone helps regulate moisture and keep the clay from cracking during dry periods. If your yard has a slight slope or elevated bed, Magnolias will thrive. If your yard tends to hold standing water after rain, consider a Live Oak instead.

How much do Magnolia trees cost?

Magnolia pricing at Bill Bownds Nursery varies by cultivar and container size. Standard Southern Magnolias and Little Gem Magnolias are both available in sizes from 15-gallon to 95-gallon. Little Gem Magnolias, being a grafted cultivar, are generally priced slightly higher than seedling-grown Southern Magnolias at the same container size. Volume discounts are available for orders of 10 or more trees. For the most accurate pricing, call us at (281) 277-2033 or visit the nursery at 2110 Cedar Lane in Katy. We are happy to walk you through our current Magnolia inventory and help you find the right tree at the right price.

Do you deliver Magnolia trees to Houston, Katy, and Richmond?

Yes, we deliver Magnolia trees throughout the Greater Houston area, including Houston, Katy, Richmond, Sugar Land, Fulshear, Cypress, and surrounding communities. Magnolias are heavy trees for their size due to their dense wood and foliage, so professional delivery and installation is especially valuable. Our crew ensures each Magnolia is planted at the correct above-grade height and properly mulched for success in clay soil. Learn more about our delivery and installation services, including our one-year health guarantee on installed trees.