Magnolia, Sweet Bay, Bare Root

Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)

Sweet Bay Magnolia is a graceful, semi-evergreen native tree cherished for its delicate, fragrant white flowers and glossy, silver-backed leaves. This versatile tree thrives in moist, acidic soils, often found along streams, wetland edges, and rain gardens, where it attracts pollinators and provides habitat for wildlife. With its elegant blooms, attractive foliage, and tolerance for wet conditions, Sweet Bay Magnolia is ideal for naturalized areas, rain gardens, and woodland edges, bringing beauty and ecological benefits to the landscape.

Key Characteristics

• Fragrant Summer Blooms: Sweet Bay Magnolia produces creamy white, lemon-scented flowers from late spring through summer. These elegant blooms attract bees and butterflies, offering essential nectar and adding a pleasant fragrance to the garden.

• Semi-Evergreen Foliage: In milder climates, Sweet Bay Magnolia retains its glossy, dark green leaves year-round, with striking silver undersides that catch the light in the breeze. This semi-evergreen quality provides year-round appeal and structure to shaded gardens.

• Wildlife-Friendly Red Seeds: In late summer, Sweet Bay Magnolia develops small, cone-like seed pods that split open to reveal bright red seeds, which are highly attractive to birds. These seeds provide an additional seasonal interest and food source for wildlife.

• Adaptable to Wet and Shaded Conditions: This tree is highly adaptable to moist to wet soils, making it a natural fit for rain gardens, streambanks, and areas with poor drainage. It tolerates part shade to full sun and thrives in acidic soils, contributing to erosion control along water edges.

• Low Maintenance and Pest-Resistant: Sweet Bay Magnolia is generally low-maintenance and disease-resistant, with minimal pest issues. Its resilience and tolerance for wet conditions make it an ideal, easy-care option for both small and large landscapes.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern and Southeastern United States
• Plant Life Cycle: Semi-evergreen tree
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist to wet, well-drained acidic soils; tolerates loamy and sandy soils
• Mature Height: 10-35 feet (larger in southern zones)
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
• Bloom Color: Creamy white
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Sweet Bay Magnolia’s beautiful flowers, semi-evergreen foliage, and wildlife value make it a standout choice for wetland areas, rain gardens, and woodland edges, bringing elegance and ecological function to the landscape.