- Fragrant White Flowers
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Direct Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 10-35 feet
- Growing Zone 4 - 10
If you are looking for a beautiful flowering shrub or small tree for your yard, then the Sweetbay Magnolia or Magnolia virginiana as it is botanically called, is definitely worth considering. Growing usually to no more than 35 feet, but possibly more in the south, its scented white flowers in spring and red seeds in fall provide long-seasonal interest. The Sweetbay Magnolia tree produces glossy-green foliage and can either be grown as a multi-stem or single-stem specimen.
Native to Eastern parts of North America, the Sweetbay Magnolia Tree is fast growing and deer resistant. It also has good resistance to Magnolia scale disease. Ideal for growing as part of a border or as a specimen tree in a lawn, the Sweetbay Magnolia prefers moist soil and will even cope with periodic flooding. Evergreen or semi-evergreen depending on where it is grown, it may need some winter protection when grown in zone 5.
Sweetbay Magnolia Tree Care
Tolerating full sun to partial shade, the Sweetbay Magnolia Tree favors moist and fertile soil and will struggle in dry soils. Preferring a slightly acidic soil of pH 5.5 – 6.5, this magnolia will even tolerate clay. It is best planted in the spring and should be watered regularly during the first few years while establishing. Once established, water the Sweetbay Magnolia during long dry periods and during extended periods with temperatures over 75 °F. Mulching with a layer of organic matter can help conserve moisture and prevent the soil from drying out.
Although relatively low maintenance, the Sweetbay Magnolia tree may require pruning, especially when young to establish its desired form. Prune immediately after flowering in late spring to promote a single-stem or multi-stemmed habit, and remove any dead, dying or diseased branches.
Sweetbay Magnolia Tree Spacing
Whether grown on its own or as part of a border, make sure it has room to mature as you’ll want to be able to appreciate the stunning flowers come spring. Depending on the location and desired form, the Sweetbay Magnolia can reach an eventual 35 feet tall by 30 feet wide, or even taller when grown in the most southern regions.
Sweetbay Magnolia Tree Information
Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Average water needs. |
Pet Friendly: No |
Kid Friendly: No |
Air Purifier: High |
Habit: Upright |
Growth Rate: Fast |
Mature Height: 10-35 feet |
Mature Spread: 10-20 feet |
Flowering: Yes |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Shade/Description: Cream-White |
Fragrant: Yes |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Dark Green |
Temperature: () |
Humidity: Average (40% - 60%) |
Common Name: Sweetbay Magnolia Tree |
Other Name(s): Sweetbay Magnolia |
Scientific Name: Magnolia virginiana |
Plant Type: Tree |
- SKU:
- Tree_Sweetbay.Magnolia-HP
Container Sizes
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.