Magnolia grandiflora

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia) is a broadleaf evergreen tree with a dense, pyramidal to broadly oval habit, featuring large, glossy dark green leaves with rusty-brown to tan undersides on many cultivated forms. Huge, creamy white, lemon-fragrant flowers appear from late spring into summer, followed by cone-like fruits that release bright red seeds. It is prized for its bold foliage, fragrant blooms, and year-round presence in the landscape.

Type: Tree (Evergreen)
Mature Size: 30–50' W × 60–80' H
USDA Zones: 6b–10b
Form: Dense, pyramidal to broadly oval

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; moderate water, prefers consistent moisture while establishing
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring through summer; intermittent bloom over several weeks

Wildlife: Bees, birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent as a specimen, screening tree, lawn tree, or large evergreen accent. The oversized fragrant flowers, glossy foliage, and handsome seed cones provide multi-season interest. It is especially effective in southern and mild-climate landscapes where it has room to mature.

Care:
Plant in well-drained soil with room for root and canopy development. Water regularly during establishment and during prolonged dry periods. Prune only as needed to shape when young or remove damaged branches. Southern magnolia performs best with mulch over the root zone and protection from severe drought.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

60-80'

Width

30-50'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Dense, Oval, Pyramidal

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No