- Large, fragrant, white blossoms are just the beginning of the appeal of a magnolia tree. These attractive trees also feature glossy, dark green leaves and a large, exotic-looking pod that opens in fall to reveal bright orange-red berries which are relished by birds and other wildlife. Learning more about magnolia planting and care is a great way to enjoy these trees in your landscape. - Magnolia trees are native to East Asia and the Himalayas, eastern North America and Central America. They grow 40 to 80 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. Depending upon the species, magnolias may be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous. Some of the deciduous types bloom in early spring before the tree leafs out. One of the difficulties of magnolia tree care is managing the large, crispy leaves that continuously fall from the tree. Many people remove the lower limbs of a magnolia tree to facilitate mowing, but if you leave the lower limbs on the tree they will drape to the ground, hiding the fallen leaves. The shade from the tree and accumulation of leaves prevents grass from growing, and as the leaves break down they provide nutrients for the tree. - Most magnolia trees are hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9; however, there are some cultivars that survive winters far north of zone 7. For the most optimal results in how to grow healthy magnolia trees outside the usual growing area, buy your trees locally to make sure the variety is well suited to your region. - When you?re ready to grow a magnolia tree from seed, you should plant the seeds in spring, either directly in the ground or in pots. - Cover the seeds with about 1/4 inch of soil and keep the soil moist until your seedlings emerge. - A layer of mulch will help the soil hold moisture while the magnolia seedling grows. New seedlings will also need protection from strong sunlight for the first year.