Southern Magnolia Tree

The Fragrance and Allure of The Southern Magnolia Tree

The Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a classic evergreen tree of the Southern landscape. The magnolia has glossy, leathery leaves and fragrant flowers.

Southern Magnolia: A Symbol of the South

 The large, white, creamy flowers, with a strong fragrance, are borne in late spring and early summer. The flowers are 8 to 12 inches across, with a lemony scent, while the foliage resembles fine polished leather.

The Southern Magnolia is a symbol of the South's spirit. The magnolia is the state flower of both Louisiana and Mississippi, and the state tree of Mississippi. It symbolizes a certain nostalgia, planted along the broad drives of old Southern homes, influencing writers and artists for generations.

Southern Magnolia Tree for Sale: Size, Site, and Care

The Southern Magnolia is frequently used as a landscape plant because of its hardiness and adaptability to various environments. It can grow up to 60 to 80 feet. If you're shopping for a southern magnolia tree for sale, know that it is native to the southeastern United States and grows best in USDA zones 7 through 9. In zone 6, give it a sheltered spot out of winter wind. Expect a spread of 30 to 40 feet and slow to moderate growth. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in rich, moist, well-drained soil that's slightly acidic. It drops old leaves all year, its roots spread wide near the surface, and grass won't grow in its deep shade, so many gardeners simply let the lower branches sweep the ground. Plant it at least 20 feet from your house.

Southern Magnolias Feed and Shelter Wildlife

 Magnolias are mainly pollinated by beetles, but bees stop by to collect pollen, too. In fall, the fuzzy seed cones split open to show bright red seeds that birds, squirrels, and wild turkeys eat. Birds nest in its dense evergreen canopy and eat the insects that live on it.

This plant ships bare root. Magnolia roots are fleshy and dry out fast, so plant it the day it arrives. Soak the roots for a couple of hours, plant it with the root flare at soil level, water deeply, and mulch. Keep the soil evenly moist through the first season. Don't panic if it drops some leaves after planting. That's common, and new growth will follow.

Planting & Growing Information

Ships: Ships Between November 15–29
Planting Zone: 7–9 (6 with shelter)
Height at Maturity: 60–80 Feet
Water Needs: Moderate
Sun or Shade: Full sun and Partial shade
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Care: Southern magnolias thrive in rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Water deeply during dry spells. Some leaf drop after planting is normal. Mulch over the root zone, since grass won't grow in its shade.
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Plant Attributes: Evergreen with glossy green leaves and rust-colored undersides, Fragrant white blooms up to 12 inches wide, Attracts pollinators and birds with flowers and seed pods

For more tips on choosing, planting, and caring for evergreen trees, explore our evergreen tree guide. You can also browse our collection of flowering trees to discover more varieties that add beautiful blooms, year-round greenery, and seasonal interest to your landscape.