Sweetbay Magnolia

The Sweetbay Magnolia is a magnificent tree that demands admiration. Gorgeous, white, blooms open in spring and summer revealing a lovely, sweet, lemon scent. Bright green leaves with a silvery back shimmer and shine as the wind blows. Red seeds and fuzzy seed pods add color, depth, and interest. The Sweetbay Magnolia is semi-evergreen. This majestic and beautiful tree is pest, disease, and deer resistant as well as salt, pollution, and drought tolerant.

Special Features:
The Sweetbay Magnolia is very low maintenance. Plant your pretty little tree in the sun and add some water and watch it shine! You won't need to spray for pests and disease with this hardy ornamental tree. This Magnolia is fast growing. It easily grows 2 feet per year under good conditions.

Wet soil? The stunning Sweetbay enjoys wet soil. Just plant your new tree in full sun for best results.

If you are looking for the perfect focal point for your landscape, the Sweetbay Magnolia is the tree for you. This tree is showy and vibrant and is sure to increase your property value! The Sweetbay is more cold hardy than other magnolias. It can even grow into a chilly zone 5. But don't worry, warm climates; this magnolia loves the heat too. We recommend it up to a growing zone 10.

Wildlife love the Sweetbay Magnolia. Songbirds love the berries and enjoy taking a break amongst the branches.

Special Note: The Sweetbay Magnolia has a fairly large size range. It can be as small as 10 feet at maturity when planted in colder climates. In warmer climates this tree can reach over 30 feet.

Spring and fall are the best times for planting.  If you live in an area with mild summers or mild winters you can plant at these times as well.  Follow the recommendations below to choose the best location for your new Magnolia.

The Sweetbay Magnolia performs best in full to part sun.  Magnolias are very adaptable; they can tolerate soil from clay to sand to loam, but be sure it is moist and drains well.  When your tree is newly planted, water deeply 2 to 3 times per week.  Water 1-2 times per week for the next couple months.  After this time your Magnolia will be quite drought tolerant and only need watering once weekly in summer.  Mulching is a good option especially with a newly planted Magnolia.  2-3 inches of mulch will keep your soil moist and the roots protected.  It also keeps weeds and grasses at bay.  Weeds and grass can steal nutrients and water from your tree.  Fertilize with our balanced, slow release fertilizer in spring.  If pruning is necessary, prune right after flowering has stopped to best avoid trimming off next year's flowers.

The Sweetbay Magnolia is pest, disease, and deer resistant as well as salt and pollution tolerant.

The Sweetbay Magnolia is a small tree in colder climates, but can be fairly large in the south. This tree is a perfect focal point for most yards. Plant in groups or even as a hedge for a bigger impact. The Sweetbay Magnolia will brighten your landscape and add beauty to your home.

For additional options, be sure to browse our Dwarf tree and Magnolia tree collections.