*some images are of mature trees and shrubs
Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginianaDescription
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.

Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Adaptable, Well Drained |
Sunlight | Full, Partial |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 15-20 Feet |
Mature Width | 15-20 Feet |
Fall Color | Green |
Bloom Color | White |
How To Care
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,
The Sweetbay Magnolia is
Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Adaptable, Well Drained |
Sunlight | Full, Partial |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 15-20 Feet |
Mature Width | 15-20 Feet |
Fall Color | Green |
Bloom Color | White |
Landscape Ideas
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.
Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Adaptable, Well Drained |
Sunlight | Full, Partial |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 15-20 Feet |
Mature Width | 15-20 Feet |
Fall Color | Green |
Bloom Color | White |
Shipping Details
You can still order now, but due to cold weather and the risk of cold damage in transit, we will delay shipping to areas indicated on the map and below:
- Orders in Growing Zones 3-4 will ship May 1st
- Orders in Growing Zones 5-6 will ship mid April
- Orders in Growing Zones 7-10 will ship immediately
Some plants are not available for immediate shipment, and delayed delivery is noted.
We will return to normal shipping in the spring.
If you live within a delayed shipping zone and would like your plant shipped immediately, please contact customer support at support@plantingtree.com
Inventory is moving fast! Order now to reserve your plants. Due to cold weather and the risk of cold damage in transit, we will delay shipping to areas indicated on the map and below. We do this so your plant has the best opportunity to thrive in your landscape.
- Orders in Growing Zones 3-4 will start shipping May 1st
- Orders in Growing Zones 5-6 will start shipping mid April
- Orders in Growing Zones 7-10 will ship immediately
Some plants are not available for immediate shipment, but are available for pre-order and this will be indicated on the product page.
We will return to normal shipping schedules in the spring.
If you live within a delayed shipping zone and would like your plant shipped immediately, please contact customer support at support@plantingtree.com
*Orders ship in 1-3 days. West Coast orders may be held until the following Monday to prevent additional transit time.
AMOUNT OF ORDER | SHIPPING COST |
Less than $15 |
$11.95 |
$15 - 23.99 |
$13.95 |
$24 - $39.99 |
$16.95 |
$40 - 79.99 |
$19.95 |
$80 - 98.99 |
$22.95 |
$99 - 118.99 |
$26.95 |
$119+ |
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