Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Also listed as Magnolia angustifolia, Magnolia elliptica
Also known as Evergreen Magnolia, Bull Bay, Big-laurel
Climate Match for your location
See how well Southern Magnolia grows in your area.
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A stately evergreen tree prized for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy foliage. Southern magnolia is a long-lived specimen that provides year-round interest and works well as a focal point in large gardens.
Why grow it
Southern magnolia differs from deciduous magnolia species by retaining foliage year-round, making it valuable where winter interest matters. Its flowers are notably larger and more fragrant than most temperate ornamental trees, though it blooms later in spring than some relatives. It tolerates a wider range of soil pH and moisture conditions than many magnolias, performing reasonably well in both acidic and neutral soils across USDA zones 7-10.
Watch out for
This tree demands space to mature (often 60-80 feet tall) and can take years to reach flowering size, so site placement should account for eventual scale. Young specimens benefit from consistent moisture during establishment; drought stress can cause dieback. The large leaves and fallen flowers create substantial organic debris that may require regular cleanup in manicured settings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A stately evergreen tree prized for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy foliage. Southern magnolia is a long-lived specimen that provides year-round interest and works well as a focal point in large gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Southern Magnolia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Southern magnolia differs from deciduous magnolia species by retaining foliage year-round, making it valuable where winter interest matters. Its flowers are notably larger and more fragrant than most temperate ornamental trees, though it blooms later in spring than some relatives. It tolerates a wider range of soil pH and moisture conditions than many magnolias, performing reasonably well in both acidic and neutral soils across USDA zones 7-10.
Watch out for
This tree demands space to mature (often 60-80 feet tall) and can take years to reach flowering size, so site placement should account for eventual scale. Young specimens benefit from consistent moisture during establishment; drought stress can cause dieback. The large leaves and fallen flowers create substantial organic debris that may require regular cleanup in manicured settings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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