Plant Quick Guide

Growing Zones:

5-10.

Mature Height:

15-35 ft

Mature Width:

10-20 ft

Sunlight:

Full (6-8 hours)

Spacing:

10 ft

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Flower Color:

White

Does Not Ship To:

AK, AZ, CA, HI, PR

Magnolia - Sweetbay

Magnolia virginiana
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-10.
$34.95
SKU: MAGSWE01G
Size
Description

A Fragrant, Evergreen Magnolia with Creamy White Blooms and Year-Round Beauty

The Sweetbay Magnolia is a stunning ornamental tree admired for its fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. This versatile tree features glossy green leaves with silvery undersides, adding texture and beauty to the landscape year-round. Hardy and adaptable, the Sweetbay Magnolia thrives in wet or moist soils and is perfect for home gardens, patios, and specimen plantings, providing both ornamental charm and a soothing fragrance.

Key Features:

  • Fragrant White Blooms: Creamy white, cup-shaped flowers bloom from late spring through summer, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

  • Evergreen Foliage: Glossy green leaves with silvery undersides provide year-round interest and contrast.

  • Multi-Season Appeal: Combines summer flowers, lush foliage, and attractive branching for all-season beauty.

  • Hardy and Adaptable: Tolerates a range of soils, including wet or acidic soils, making it low-maintenance and easy to grow.

  • Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract pollinators, and the tree provides cover for birds and other wildlife.

Mature Size:

  • Height: 10–30 feet

  • Spread: 10–20 feet

  • Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Hardiness Zones:
Zones: 5–10

Chill Hours:
N/A

Care Instructions:

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering and foliage growth.

  • Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils; tolerates wet conditions.

  • Watering: Water regularly during establishment; mature trees are drought-tolerant but prefer consistent moisture.

  • Pruning: Light pruning in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.

  • Pollination: Self-pollinating, though multiple plantings can improve flower display.

Landscape Uses:

  • Perfect for home gardens, patios, and specimen plantings.

  • Adds fragrant blooms and evergreen beauty to landscapes.

  • Ideal for wetland areas or rain gardens where soil moisture may vary.

The Sweetbay Magnolia combines fragrant, creamy white flowers with glossy evergreen foliage, creating a stunning ornamental tree for any landscape. Its adaptability, low-maintenance care, and year-round beauty make it a standout choice for gardeners seeking both elegance and wildlife-friendly features.
Shipping

At Plant Me Green we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care. We ship your plants using FedEx Ground® the following business day after you have completed checkout.

We are now offering $15 flat rate shipping for all tree orders! Replacement tree shipping cost will be $15 per box. We still cannot ship to some states and US territories based off the Agricultural Laws that may be in place. Please see below for all exclusions. 

If you have any questions concerning transit time for your order, please feel free to contact us at info@plantmegreen.com or toll free 855-817-5268.

Trees: Due to strict Agricultural Laws in place, we currently cannot ship to the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii. We cannot ship to Puerto Rico or international.
How to Plant
STEP 1) First, decide on a planting location. Consider carefully what kind of sun, soil, and growing-space your tree or shrub will need.
STEP 2) Once you've located the perfect spot, the hole you are digging must be at least double the width and as deep as the root system you are planting.
STEP 3) Remove the plant from the pot and place the root ball in the hole. The top of the root system should be level with the ground. Before placing the tree or shrub in the hole, use your hands to gently break up the root system.
STEP 4) Once the plant is in place, backfill the hole with native soil and any leftover potting material.
STEP 5) Pack down the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
STEP 6) When finished, water thoroughly.
Care Guide

Sweetbay magnolias do best in full sun or part shade with medium to very moist soil. The sweetbay magnolia grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well-drained and wet soils. It will tolerate periodic flooding. The tree benefits from a balanced, general purpose fertilizer for the first three years. Use one cup of fertilizer the first and second year, and two cups the third year. It doesn’t usually need fertilizer after the third year.

View details