Sweet Bay Magnolia - Magnolia virginiana

The Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is a semi evergreen tree with deep green, waxy leaves and creamy white flowers.

Plant Details - Sweet Bay Magnolia

Family: Magnoliaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 10 – 35 ft.

Spread: 10 – 35 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: White

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees

Landscape Uses and Maintenance 

Sweet Bay Magnolia is a semi evergreen tree with thick, glossy green leaves. As it is considered a compact tree, it is perfect for planting in a smaller area of your garden.

Smell that - How sweet! These flowers are captivating, with creamy white color and fragrance that can be smelled from far away.

With its thick leaves it is great for creating a living privacy screen or hedge at the edge of your property. Place a hammock or comfortable chair nearby to create a needed moment of tranquility and relax in your new private space.

This tree prefers to be planted in a location with full sun. It will best flower in full sun but will tolerate being planted in partial shade.

This is a low maintenance tree that will need minimal care as it matures – good news for the busy gardener!

Best planted in well draining soil. It can tolerate many various soil conditions, including loamy, sandy, and clay. This tree can tolerate more soil moisture than others of the same species. However, you should avoid planting this tree in heavily waterlogged or compacted soil where the roots will suffer and become susceptible to root rot.

You can give this tree a balanced nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium fertilizer in early spring to help overall plant health.

This is generally considered a deer resistant tree. However, you will want to protect the trunks and leaves when it is young and prone to deer and small mammal damage from browsing or rub.

The tree will attract wildlife to your garden.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sweet Bay Magnolia is a great compact option for the magnolia lover that has a yard on the smaller size.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Sweet Bay Magnolia thrives in well-drained, acidic soil and prefers regular watering to maintain consistent moisture. Mulch near the ground to keep moisture and prevent weeds. Trim in late winter to shape and release dead branches. Fertilize in early spring for best growth.

Plant Reproduction

Sugar Sweet Bay Magnolia spreads through suckering and wide canopy growth.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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