Magnolia 'Sweet Bay'

Magnolia virginiana, also known as Sweet Bay Magnolia, is a graceful, slender, deciduous/ semi-evergreen native tree in the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae). Sweet Bay Magnolia is native to the United States in the coastal areas of the southeast all the way to New York. They are often found in open woodlands, shaded woods, or swamps. Because of this, Sweet bay magnolia tolerates wet, swampy, and boggy soils, whereas most other magnolias are intolerant of those conditions. It is also moderately salt-tolerant. Hardy in zones 5a-10b.

In our Charleston conditions, it is apt to be more tree-like, sometimes growing to 100 feet tall. The leaves are shiny, and dark green on the upper surface, and the undersides are chalky white to chalky beige. The flowers are solitary and fragrant, measuring 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The flowers will open in the afternoon and close during the night for up to 2 or 3 days. During the summer months, the tree blooms sporadically until the first frosts. 

Sold Individually
Available in 15 Gal

This tree prefers full sun to partial shade.

This tree requires consistently moist to wet soil and thrives in boggy conditions. Newly planted trees need watering 2-3 times per week for the first year, while established trees require deep, weekly watering during dry periods or during Charleston's extended summer heat. 

This plant likes acidic soil, we suggest Espoma Soil Acidifier. 

Your plant needs food too! We suggest Espoma Holly Tone. 

Proper nutrition is important to the health of your plant and its longevity. To ensure your plant is getting the appropriate nutrition, use a fertilizer labelled for this tree type and apply according to the label.