Some evergreen magnolias change to deciduous magnolias when they live in a cooler climate. One such example is the sweetbay magnolia (M. virginiana), which is evergreen in the deeper South, but deciduous farther North. Deciduous magnolias are more hardy and cold resistant as a whole.

In the large group of magnolias, deciduous trees are noted for their frost hardiness and attractive form. Some of the different varieties of magnolia are even known to flower in late winter and continue until the end of summer. These may have huge saucer or star-shaped flowers in a variety of hues.