Magnolia virginiana 'Moonglow'

Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana ‘Moonglow’ is a deciduous to semi-evergreen small tree, commonly sold as ‘Jim Wilson’ Moonglow® sweetbay magnolia, valued for its creamy white, lemon-fragrant flowers, glossy deep green leaves with silvery undersides, and a vigorous, upright to rounded habit. It is a selected form of the native sweetbay magnolia noted for improved cold hardiness, strong growth, and a long bloom season that can continue into summer.

Type: Deciduous to semi-evergreen tree
Mature Size: 10–20' W x 15–35' H
USDA Zones: 5a–10a
Form: Upright oval to rounded, sometimes narrowly pyramidal when young
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Moist, rich, acidic, well-drained to wet soil; medium to high water; tolerates wet and even boggy sites
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring through summer; often May–June with continued scattered bloom afterward
Wildlife: Flowers support pollinators, and the red seeds attract birds.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent as a specimen, patio tree, screening tree, or rain garden plant. Its fragrant flowers, semi-evergreen foliage in milder climates, and tolerance for clay, wet soils, and urban conditions make it especially useful in spots where many other magnolias struggle. It is also prized for blooming relatively young and for holding a denser, more polished look than the straight species.

Care: Plant in full sun to part shade in acidic soil that stays evenly moist. Mulch to keep roots cool, water regularly while establishing, and avoid prolonged drought. In colder parts of Zone 5, a protected site is helpful for best performance. Prune only lightly if needed after flowering.

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-35'

Width

10-20'

Hardiness zones

5–10

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No