TreeIssues

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Ornamental

About Southern Magnolia

Southern Magnolia is a stately, broadleaf evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its enormous, fragrant, creamy-white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves with fuzzy, rust-colored undersides. It is widely planted as a specimen and shade tree throughout the South and beyond.

Quick Facts

Native Range
Southeastern United States
Hardiness Zones
6-10
Mature Height
60-80 feet
Growth Rate
Moderate
Sun Requirements
Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference
Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils

How to Identify Southern Magnolia

  • Large, thick, glossy, dark green evergreen leaves with rusty-brown, fuzzy undersides
  • Huge, fragrant, creamy-white flowers up to 12 inches across
  • Cone-like fruit clusters with bright red seeds in fall
  • Smooth, gray bark
  • Dense, pyramidal to rounded form, often with branches to the ground

Care Guide

  • Allow lower branches to remain; they look best sweeping to the ground
  • Water regularly during drought; magnolias have shallow, fleshy roots
  • Avoid disturbing the root zone with digging or soil compaction
  • Clean up fallen leaves, which decompose slowly
  • Prune only after flowering; avoid heavy pruning

Known Issues (0)

No known health issues currently reported for Southern Magnolia.

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