returns in
273
days
Bloom calendar
Magnolia virginiana
Species (semi‑evergreen to deciduous)
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species (semi‑evergreen to deciduous)
- Height × spread: 10 to 35 ft × 10 to 35 ft (3 to 10.7 m × 3 to 10.7 m)
- Bloom window: May to June; sporadic summer bloom
- Color & flower form: White; cup‑shaped, waxy petals
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: Zones 5 to 10
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Later blooming than early spring magnolias; often flowers into summer.
- Tolerates wet, even boggy soils better than most magnolias.
- Semi‑evergreen in warmer climates with distinctive silvery leaf undersides.
- Typically smaller than Magnolia grandiflora and more cold tolerant.
Strengths
- Strong, sweet lemon fragrance.
- Handles heavy clay and wet sites.
- Low maintenance once established.
- Attractive to pollinators and wildlife.
Care in one minute
Site in full sun to part shade; flower count is higher with more sun.
Provide acidic, organic, moist to wet soil with good drainage.
Irrigate during dry spells; do not allow root zone to dry completely.
Mulch annually; avoid disturbing shallow roots.
Prune only to shape after first flush of bloom.
In colder areas, select hardy forms and plant in a protected location.
Watch‑outs
- Can become chlorotic in alkaline soils; prefers acidic conditions.
- Needs consistent moisture; avoid prolonged drought.
- May sucker to form a clump in some sites.
- Evergreen effect decreases in cold winters.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Native to the eastern United States from New York to Florida and west to Texas; southern var. australis tends to be taller and more evergreen.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Magnolia virginiana
- Morton Arboretum – Sweetbay magnolia
- USDA NRCS Plant Guide – Sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana)
- USDA PLANTS Profile – Magnolia virginiana
- ASPCA – Magnolia bush (Magnolia stellata) Non‑Toxic to Dogs & Cats
