How to Grow Magnolia Black Tulip - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Magnolia black tulip is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous plant that grows to a height of 15 feet and has a spread of 12 feet. The leaves of the plant are dark green in color and are 6-8 inches in length. The flowers of the plant are black in color and are 3-4 inches in diameter. The plant blooms in the spring and summer months.

How to Grow Magnolia Black Tulip - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • French tulip magnolia
  • Southern magnolia
  • Sweetbay magnolia
  • Bigleaf magnolia
  • Umbrella magnolia

Common Knowledge

  • Magnolia Black Tulip is a deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 4-6 feet.
  • It has dark green, glossy leaves that are 3-4 inches long and 2-3 inches wide.
  • The flowers are black, 6-8 inches across, and have a sweet, spicy fragrance.
  • The blooming period occurs in mid- to late spring.
  • The fruit is a reddish-brown, cone-like structure that splits open to release seeds.
  • Magnolia Black Tulip is native to the southeastern United States.
  • It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • This shrub is relatively pest and disease free.
  • It is an excellent choice for use as a specimen plant or in mass plantings.
  • Magnolia Black Tulip is a registered trademark of the Magnolia Nursery Company.

Related plant:
Magnolia Figo

Growing Steps

  1. For magnolia black tulip, first step is start with good quality bulbs. Check for any signs of mold or rot and discard any damaged bulbs.
  2. Plant your bulbs in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. If you live in a colder climate, you may want to plant your bulbs in pots so you can bring them indoors during the winter.
  3. Water your bulbs regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
  4. In late spring or early summer, your magnolia black tulips should start to bloom.
  5. Once the blooms fade, allow the foliage to die back naturally. Do not remove the leaves as they are necessary for the bulb to store energy for the next growing season.
  6. In the fall, dig up your bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place over the winter.
  7. replant your bulbs the following spring and enjoy another season of beautiful blooms!

Related plant:
Magnolia Shrub

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best way to describe it would be "fluffy." It's not too dense, but not too light either. It has a good amount of organic matter and drains well. Overall, it's a great soil for growing magnolia trees.

Light requirement

Like the other tulips, the Magnolia Black tulip needs full sun to grow and thrive. Without at least six hours of sunlight each day, the flower will likely not bloom as beautifully as it could. If you live in an area with limited sun exposure, you may want to consider planting your Magnolia Black tulip in a container so that you can move it around to ensure it gets the light it needs.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition necessary for the growth of the magnolia black tulip is a warm climate. This tulip does not tolerate cold climates well and will not grow in areas that experience frost or snow. The ideal temperature for this tulip is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%-70%. The magnolia black tulip is a beautiful plant that thrives in humid conditions. The ideal humidity level for this plant is 50%-70%. This plant is native to parts of Asia and is known for its large, black flowers. The magnolia black tulip is a popular plant for gardens and makes a great addition to any landscape.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant need high phosphorus and low nitrogen. For the root, you need to pay attention to the depth of the hole when you plant it. The hole should be about twice the depth and width of the root ball. After planting, water it well and mulch around the base of the plant.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your magnolia black tulip healthy and looking its best. You should prune away any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant, or to remove any unwanted suckers.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done through root cuttings taken from young plants in late winter or early spring. The cuttings should be about four inches long and should be taken from the tips of the roots. They should be placed in a moist medium such as sand or vermiculite and placed in a warm, humid location. Cuttings should be kept moist but not wet and should not be allowed to dry out. After a few weeks, the cuttings will develop new roots and can be transplanted into pots or into the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the amount of water and sunlight that the plant gets. If a plant gets too much water, it will begin to rot. If a plant gets too little water, it will wilt and eventually die. The best way to ensure that a plant grows at a healthy rate is to provide it with an adequate amount of both water and sunlight.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and spider mites. Aphids are small, pearl-shaped insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and curl. Scale are small, brownish insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and feed on the sap. Spider mites are small, eight-legged creatures that spin webs on the plant and suck the sap from the leaves.

List to Know

  • If you live in a colder climate, wait to plant your magnolia black tulip until the spring.
  • Choose a location for your plant that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Magnolia black tulips prefer slightly acidic soil, so amend your soil with compost or peat moss if necessary.
  • When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your plant.
  • Water your plant regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  • During the growing season, deadhead spent blooms to encourage new ones.
  • If you live in a colder climate, you may need to protect your plant with a burlap wrap or other covering in the winter.
  • In the spring, prune any dead or damaged branches from your plant.
  • With proper

Substitution

  • Magnolia Black Beauty (Magnolia acuminata 'Black Beauty')
  • Magnolia Black Tulip (Magnolia denudata 'Black Tulip')
  • Magnolia Black Delight (Magnolia x soulangiana 'Black Delight')
  • Magnolia Black Bud (Magnolia ASPLENIFOLIA 'Black Bud')
  • Magnolia Black Tie (Magnolia x soulangiana 'Black Tie')
  • Magnolia Black Jack (Magnolia stellata 'Black Jack')
  • Magnolia Black Tulip (Magnolia denudata 'Black Tulip')
  • Magnolia Black Delight (Magnolia x soulangiana 'Black Delight')
  • Magnolia Black Tie (Magnolia x soulangiana 'Black Tie')
  • Magnolia Black Bud (Magnolia ASPLENIFOLIA 'Black Bud')

Source:
Magnolia x soulangeana - Saucer magnolia, Tulip tree - unf.edu
Magnolia liliiflora (Lily Magnolia) | North Carolina Extension …
Magnolia Propagation | Extension | West Virginia University

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category