Light Exposure

• The many species and cultivars of both evergreen and deciduous magnolias grow well in full sun to partial shade conditions. Healthy trees that are not stressed by dry or nutrient-poor soils tolerate longer exposure to direct sunrays without consequence. In the southern states, a partial sun garden setting -- between 6 and 9 hours of sun daily, makes a suitable environment for a magnolia. The sun's light intensity is always stronger in the Southern United States compared to Northern latitudes. Therefore, a magnolia species that prospers in full sun in Michigan grows equally well with only partial sun on the Gulf Coast or Southern California.