- 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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
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
2.5 Quart
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
#1 Pot
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
#2 Pot
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
#3 Pot
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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