Magnolia ‘Majestic Beauty’ is a sought-after ornamental tree, celebrated for its striking appearance and fragrant blooms. This cultivar offers a captivating presence, making it a popular choice for enhancing gardens with its classic beauty and adaptability, providing a focal point.
Magnolia ‘Majestic Beauty’ Characteristics
Size and Form
Magnolia ‘Majestic Beauty’ is an evergreen tree that develops a refined, pyramidal shape. It typically reaches a mature height of 35 to 50 feet with a spread of 15 to 30 feet, making it a medium to large-sized tree.
Foliage
Its foliage features large, glossy, oval leaves that remain dark green year-round. These leaves often have a distinctive khaki or reddish-brown, fuzzy underside, adding to their ornamental appeal.
Flowers and Bloom Time
This magnolia cultivar is prized for its stunning, fragrant, cup-shaped white flowers. The blooms are substantial, often measuring up to 10 inches wide, and appear from early to mid-summer, with some sporadic flowering extending into fall. Following the blooms, showy red, cone-like fruit pods develop, ripening in the fall and winter.
Growth Rate and Hardiness
‘Majestic Beauty’ exhibits a moderate growth rate, typically adding about 12 to 36 inches per year. It is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9, though some sources indicate it can tolerate zone 6. Under ideal conditions, this tree can live for 70 years or more.
Planting Your ‘Majestic Beauty’ Magnolia
Site Selection
Selecting an appropriate site is important for ‘Majestic Beauty’ magnolia’s successful establishment. This tree thrives in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates where afternoon shade can be beneficial. Protection from strong winds is advisable to prevent damage to its large flowers and branches.
Soil Preparation
‘Majestic Beauty’ prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil and performs best in slightly acidic conditions, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. While it can adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, it will not thrive in standing water or poorly drained areas. Incorporating organic matter into the planting site can enhance soil structure and nutrient availability.
Planting Process
When planting, dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball’s height. Place the tree in the center, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole gently, firming the soil around the roots to remove air pockets. Avoid planting the tree under power lines due to its mature height.
Initial Watering and Mulching
After planting, thoroughly water the tree to settle the soil around the roots. Newly planted magnolias require consistent moisture, needing water two to three times per week for the first one to two growing seasons. Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and rot.
Ongoing Care for ‘Majestic Beauty’
Watering Requirements
Once established, magnolias are moderately drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture. During dry periods, supplemental watering may be necessary. Water deeply in the early morning.
Fertilization
Fertilize once a year in early spring, before new growth begins. A balanced slow-release granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formula, works well. Spread fertilizer widely around the tree, 6 to 10 inches from the trunk.
Pruning
‘Majestic Beauty’ generally requires minimal pruning due to its naturally attractive pyramidal form. Pruning is primarily for removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, or to maintain shape. Prune after flowering in late spring or early summer to avoid removing current season’s blooms.
Winter Protection
In borderline hardiness zones, winter protection can benefit ‘Majestic Beauty’. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the root zone in late fall to insulate roots from extreme cold. Young trees may benefit from additional protection during severe cold snaps.
Addressing Common Issues
‘Majestic Beauty’ is a relatively low-maintenance tree with few significant issues. Leaf spots, often caused by fungi or bacteria, rarely require chemical treatment; raking and disposing of infected leaves can help. Scale insects, like magnolia scale, can infest twigs and leaves, leading to honeydew and black sooty mold. Horticultural oil applications manage infestations. Verticillium wilt, a fungal infection, can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves, potentially affecting branches or the entire tree.
Environmental factors can cause issues. Poor drainage can lead to root problems and leaf drop. Insufficient watering during dry periods can result in leaf scorch or shriveling. Maintaining proper soil moisture and well-drained soil prevents many environmental stressors.