Southern Magnolia

Description

Botanical Name:  Magnolia grandiflora

Common Name:  Southern Magnolia, Evergreen Magnolia, Loblolly Magnolia, Great Laurel Magnolia, Big Laurel, Bull Bay

Description:  Most people think of the Southern Magnolia as the true epitome of a Deep South tree, with very good reason. A mature tree in full bloom is a beautiful sight to behold. This is an evergreen tree native to stream and river beds in Florida and the South which is large in every respect, towering from 60 to 80 feet in height, with leaves that can be as much as a foot in length. The cup-shaped white or cream colored blooms may reach fourteen inches across and are followed by rusty brown cones studded with bright red seeds. Fragrance of the southern magnolia is legendary, and has been described as being as strong as that of jasmine or tuberose, but more delightful. Slow to moderate growing. Sun to part shade. Makes an amazing shade tree. Even though it’s evergreen, it does drop its old leaves periodically so it can regrow new ones. Bees and other pollinators love the nectar filled flowers. Does great in rain gardens.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Moderately tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

This plant in the 3-gallon containers is 2-3′ tall.

This plant in the 7-gallon containers is 3-5′ tall.

Plant Lore:  Magnolias are an ancient genus, one of the oldest flowering plants, extending back approximately 130 million years.

Florida Hardiness Zones 8 – 10