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Spring Guide: Magnolias in March

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3–4 minutes

Magnolias are a favorite bloom for springtime visitors of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Guests walk down a sidwealk lines with brown hedges. Behind them is a blooming white/pink magnolia tree.
Guests of the Missouri Botanical Garden walk through the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening where a magnolia tree is blooming. Mary Lou Olson/Missouri Botanical Garden.

In 2024, the magnolias started blooming a bit earlier than expected, adding a pop of white and pink throughout the Garden landscape.

Star magnolia flowers (Magnolia stellata) blossom at different rates during early March of 2024. Photos by Claire Cohen/Missouri Botanical Garden.

Take a virtual tour of the magnolias blooming at the Garden

Video by Nathan Kwarta/Missouri Botanical Garden.

Where to see Magnolias

Magnolias bloom at varying times throughout spring based on the species. The ideal time to see magnolias in bloom is between March and June.

Massive Magnolia Tree in the Victorian District

In the Doris Waters Harris Lichtenstein Victorian District, located near the back of the Garden, a very large magnolia tree (Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill’) produced some beautiful blooms.

An aerial view shows a magnolia tree in bloom next to a hedge maze. The flowers are white with a hint of pink. In the bottom of the photos is a pale yellow observation tower.
An aerial view of a magnolia tree (Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill‘) in bloom in the Victorian District. Photo by Nathan Kwarta/Missouri Botanical Garden.
Magnolia blooms (Magnolia × loebneri 'Merrill')can be spotted while standing in the gazebo in the hedge maze
Magnolia blooms (Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill‘)can be spotted while standing in the gazebo in the hedge maze. Photo by Claire Cohen/Missouri Botanical Garden.
A closeup magnolia bloom with large white petals. In the center is a light peach colored stamen.
A single bloom of a magnolia tree (Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill’) in the Victorian District. Photo by Nathan Kwarta/Missouri Botanical Garden.
A view through the hollow gazebo roof in the hedge maze shows a blooming white magnolia tree.
A magnolia tree (Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill’) is visible through the roof of the gazebo at the center of the victorian-inspired yew maze. the Photo by Claire Cohen/Missouri Botanical Garden.

Magnolia Shrubs in the Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is another popular spot for magnolia enthusiasts. Against the backdrop of serene water features and evergreen plants, these star magnolias (Magnolia stellata) really shine

Magnolias bloom in the Japanese Garden,
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) bushes bloom in the Japanese Garden. Photo by Nathan Kwarta/Missouri Botanical Garden.
Light pink Magnolia flowers bloom on a shrub.
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) bushes bloom in the Japanese Garden. Photo by Nathan Kwarta/Missouri Botanical Garden.
A white magnolia flower.
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) bushes bloom. Photo by Nathan Kwarta/Missouri Botanical Garden.

Magnolia Tree in the Center for Home Gardening

Visitors of the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening could rest in the seats under this magnolia tree (Magnolia × loebneri ‘Spring Joy’).

A tall magnolia tree blooms in the home gardening center.
A Magnolia tree (Magnolia × loebneri ‘Spring Joy’) blooms in the Kemper Center for Home Gardening. Photo by Nathan Kwarta/Missouri Botanical Garden.

Less-Visited Magnolias in the German Garden

One easy-to-miss magnolia spot is located all the way in the rear of the Garden in the Strassenfest German Garden. You’ll likely have a little more solitude with these pink/purple Magnolia × loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ blooms given their location.

A bush full of pink/purple and white magnolia flowers.
Magnolia × loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ bloom in the German Garden. Photo by Nathan Kwarta/Missouri Botanical Garden.
Pink and White magnolias flowers bloom on branches.
Magnolia × loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ bloom in hues of pink and white.

More Magnolia spots

All together the Missouri Botanical Garden cultivates over 250 magnolia specimens of magnolias.

Blooms can be found throughout the campus including near the Climatron, Linnean House, and English Woodland Garden.

Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) blooms near the Climatron
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) blooms near the Climatron. Photo by Mary Lou Olsen/Missouri Botanical Garden.
A closeup of a white magnolia flower
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata). Photo by Claire Cohen/Missouri Botanical Garden.
A closeup of a white magnolia flower
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata). Photo by Claire Cohen/Missouri Botanical Garden.
A closeup of a magnolia flowers on a branch. The sun illuminates the white petals, giving them a cream colored glow.
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata). Photo by Mary Lous Olson/Missouri Botanical Garden.
A closeup of a white magnolia flower
(Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill’) Photo byMary Lous Olson/Missouri Botanical Garden.
A closeup of a white magnolia flower
(Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill’) Photo byMary Lous Olson/Missouri Botanical Garden.

Discover More

Last year, the Missouri Botanical Garden planted 12 species of magnolia – many of which are endangered – in the landscape of the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. While these growing plants may not yet be as big or showy as of some of our older magnolias, they are sure to bring springtime beauty in years to come.

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