Magnolia grandiflora Claudia Wanamaker

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Claudia Wannamaker’ (Southern Magnolia) is a broadleaf evergreen tree with a dense, upright-pyramidal to narrowly conical habit, featuring glossy dark green leaves with rich brown to rusty undersides. Large, creamy white, highly fragrant flowers appear in early summer and may continue intermittently through the season. This cultivar is especially valued for its strong central leader, dense form, and use as a specimen, screen, or avenue tree. 

Type: Tree (Evergreen)
Mature Size: 20–25' W × 30–40' H 
USDA Zones: 7a–9b 
Form: Dense, upright-pyramidal to narrowly conical 

Light: Full sun to part shade. 
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained, adaptable soils; moderate water, prefers even moisture while establishing and becomes more drought tolerant once established. 
Bloom Time / Length: Early summer; intermittent bloom over several weeks. 

Wildlife: Bees, birds. This is based on Southern magnolia’s flowers supporting pollinators and the evergreen canopy providing cover. 

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent as a specimen, evergreen screen, privacy planting, or formal avenue tree. Its dense branching, glossy foliage, and fragrant white flowers give it strong year-round presence, and its relatively narrow form makes it useful where a full-sized Southern magnolia is wanted without an overly broad canopy. 

Care:
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil with room to mature. Water regularly during establishment, then during extended dry periods. Prune lightly only as needed to maintain structure or remove damaged branches

Plant type

Evergreen Tree

Height

30-40'

Width

20-25'

Hardiness zones

7–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer

Flower color

Pink, White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Privacy Screen, Specimen

Shape

Dense, Narrow Pyramidal, Pyramidal, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No