Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Twelve-inch white blooms scented of lemon and cream, glossy evergreen leaves year-round, and red fall seeds for mockingbirds. Give it room.
Typically 1 quart–3 gal · $17–$85 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
No other native evergreen tree commands a landscape the way southern magnolia does. year-round presence, evening fragrance, and a bloom event you plan your May around.
Southern magnolia is one of the iconic native trees of the American South: twelve-inch white flowers with the scent of lemon and cream opening in May and June, glossy dark green foliage year-round, and a commanding presence that announces itself from a hundred yards. Walking past a magnolia in full bloom on a warm evening is one of those experiences that stays with you. The fragrance carries through open windows and drifts through the yard in late afternoon. The cones split open in fall to reveal bright red seeds suspended on threads, taken by mockingbirds, gray catbirds, and squirrels. Dense evergreen canopy creates a dry microhabitat underneath that suits certain groundcovers and spring bulbs. Give it room. This is a significant tree, and it will outlive its planter by generations.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown southern magnolia propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 40–80 ft · 20–40 ft wide
- Bloom time
- May–June
- Bloom color
- White
- USDA zones
- 6–10
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native range
- Southeastern United States
Care notes for southern magnolia.
Full sun to light shade, well-drained acidic soil. Water consistently for the first three years. Fallen leaves are leathery and slow to decompose. mulch over them or rake annually. Prune in late winter to remove lower branches if needed; do not over-prune the interior. Adaptable once established.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside southern magnolia.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Skyline Drive Package
This package celebrates the world renowned “Skyline Drive” by featuring native plant species encountered along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
Piedmont Rain Garden Package
For homeowners with a yard that floods when it rains, this package is your solution! The Piedmont Swale Garden Package is comprised of flood tolerant species that will thrive in wet soils.
Exceptional Patio Garden Package
The Exceptional Patio Garden Package is a low maintenance, fool proof way to guarantee an endless color show for you and your guests to enjoy all patio season long.