About Sweetbay Magnolia Trees in a Garden

Sweetbay magnolia trees (Magnolia virginiana) are ornamental landscape trees native to the southeastern United States. Producing attractive white flowers, they are fairly hardy, fairly easy to grow and a popular choice for landscaping.

Temperature Range

Sweetbay magnolia trees can grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 5 to 9 (with a minimum annual temperature of 30 to minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit). In the southern part of its range Sweetbay magnolias are evergreen, becoming semievergreen or deciduous farther north.

Size

Sweetbay magnolias are fairly fast-growing, eventually reaching a height of up to 60 feet and a width of up to 20 feet.

Site Requirements

Sweetbay magnolia trees can grow in sunny to semishady sites. They require a moist to wet soil.

Flowers

Starting in late spring and possibly lasting as long as late summer, sweetbay magnolia trees produce 2- to 3-inch white flowers.

Fruit

Sweetbay magnolias produce a reddish fruit that attracts a wide range of wildlife, including turkeys and songbirds.

References

• Nature Hills Nursery: Sweetbay Magnolia Trees
• North Carolina State University: Sweetbay Magnolia Trees
• Florida Forest Trees: Sweetbay Magnolia Trees