Jim Wilson sweet bay magnolia
Magnolia virginiana 'Jim Wilson'
MBG Plant of Merit 2008
USDA zones5 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size15 to 25 feet tallup to 20 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Columnar
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Creamy white
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Jim Wilson' sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana 'Jim Wilson') is a tree for borders, specimen planting, rain gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet soil. Creamy white, lemon-scented flowers open from May until August, even on young plants. It sits low on the menu for deer. The shiny green leaves are silver underneath, and red seeds ripen in fall.
Pairs well with Virginia sweetspire, Switchgrass, Joe-pyeweed, and Ostrich fern.