sweet bay magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
GCA Plant of the Year 1996
USDA zones5 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size10 to 35 feet tall10 to 35 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is a tree for specimen planting, rain gardens, and woodland or shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The fragrant white flowers open in the morning and close at night. Dark red fruits follow and show bright red seeds. Deer tend to browse other plants first.
Pairs well with Oakleaf hydrangea, Inkberry, Wild ginger, and Switchgrass.
Native range
Eastern United States.