Evergreen Magnolia

Evergreen Grace: Southern Magnolias Shine Year-Round

With glossy green leaves, fragrant white blooms, and timeless structure, Evergreen Magnolias bring classic Southern charm to Austin landscapes. These majestic trees offer four-season beauty, with deep green foliage that stays lush through winter, and creamy, lemon-scented flowers in late spring to early summer. Their large, leathery leaves — often backed with rich bronze — add texture and structure to modern and traditional gardens alike.

Whether you’re looking for a bold specimen tree, a backyard screen, or a smaller, upright variety for tighter spaces, there’s an evergreen magnolia that fits the bill. They’re heat-tolerant, adapted to Central Texas soils, and surprisingly low-maintenance once established.

Popular Evergreen Magnolia Varieties for Austin

• Bracken’s Brown Beauty – Compact and dense with bronze-backed leaves; dependable bloomer. Mature Size: 20–30ft H, 10–15ft W

• D.D. Blanchard – Upright with large, glossy leaves and bold, showy flowers.
Mature Size: 40–50ft H, 20–30ft W

• Little Gem – Dwarf habit, early bloomer, ideal for small landscapes or containers.
Mature Size: 15–20ft H, 8–10ft W

• Teddy Bear® – Compact, rounded shape with thick, fuzzy bronze leaf undersides.
Mature Size: 16–20ft H, 10–12ft W

Evergreen Magnolia Specs

Evergreen Magnolia Care in Austin Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; blooms best with 6+ hours of direct sun.
Water: Deep water during establishment. Once established, water every 10–14 days in hot weather.
Pruning: Minimal — prune lightly after flowering to shape or remove dead branches.
Soil: Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. In alkaline clay, improve conditions by adding organic matter and applying acidic mulch (pine bark or composted leaves). Regular mulching also helps conserve moisture and insulate roots.
Pests/Disease: Generally pest-resistant; occasional scale or leaf spot may occur but rarely requires intervention. encourage blooming care; aphids may appear but rarely harm the plant in growing season). Cut back flower stalks after blooming to maintain form.