Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Showy, fragrant blooms make the Green Mile™ Sweetbay Magnolia an effortless focal point. The bright white flowers of the Magnolia virginiana 'Green Mile' open in June and continue to bloom throughout the summer. Red fruit replaces the white flowers by fall, changing up the look. The semi-evergreen foliage is dark green, providing a nice contrast against the flowers and fruit.
The Green Mile™ Sweetbay Magnolia can live in wet, boggy conditions unsuitable for other cultivars. Feature this tree as the centerpiece of a yard to add a showy style for most of the year. A tight, upright form packs a lot of beauty into a compact space. Butterflies frequent the flowers, and the tree serves as a larval host for different species of butterflies. Grow the Green Mile™ Sweetbay Magnolia in zones 5 through 9.
Green Mile™ Sweetbay Magnolia Care
Plant the Green Mile™ Sweetbay Magnolia in full to partial sun. It prefers rich, loamy, acidic soil that is moist but well drained. New plants need consistent water for the first few months. Established plants only need water during a dry period. Feed the tree in spring, mid-summer, and fall using a product intended for flowering trees or shrubs.
Prune to shape after the flowers fade, around mid-summer, but before fall. Winter care is generally unnecessary, but it may be beneficial to wrap trees during the winter in the lower end of its growing range.
Green Mile™ Sweetbay Magnolia Spacing
The Green Mile™ Sweetbay Magnolia stands 25 to 35 feet tall and 12 to 15 feet wide. Select a spot free from overhead obstructions, like utility lines or other trees. Space trees 15 feet apart when creating a continuous row.
Green Mile™ Sweetbay Magnolia Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 25-35 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 12-15 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Columnar, Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Yellow
- Flower Description
- Yellow
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring to Summer
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green, Orange
- Foliage Description
- Green, Orange, Yellow
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Green Mile Sweetbay Magnolia
- Also Known As
- Beaver Tree, Castorwood, Small Magnolia
- Botanical Name
- Magnolia virginiana 'Green Mile'
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!