Ask A Scientist© Botany Archive

 
name         David
status       other
age          40s

Question -   I am planning on planting a magnolia tree in my back yard.
I live in El Paso Texas, dry and hot in the summer dry and cold in the
winter.  Will a magnolia tree survive a cold winter?
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Magnolias survive winters in northern Illinois and eastern Nebraska, in my
experience, but are vulnerable, it is really beyond their best range. Check
with local extension agents or landscapers.
J. Elliott
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http://overton.tamu.edu/news/year1995/magnolia.htm
http://www.ci.dallas.tx.us/planning/arborist/examples.htm

Anthony R. Brach, Ph.D.
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David,

I assume you refer to the southern magnolia.

I have planted one in my yard, which I believe is the northern part of its
possible range.  Our winters get down to -10 F at the lowest (this only
occurs perhaps once or twice per decade.)  I can say that I lost the entire
canopy (but the tree was young so this was only the size of a basketball)
twice due to ice storms and/or an extremely cold snap following growth in
the spring.

You can consult a good dendrology text at your local or university library
to see a depiction of the natural range for the Magnolia species you are
considering.  The text will also provide information on type of soil
preferred and other cultural information.

Good luck!
Thanks for using NEWTON!

Ric Rupnik
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