How to Grow Southern Magnolia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Southern magnolia is a plant. It is a flowering plant. The southern magnolia is native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Florida and Louisiana. It is a large evergreen tree, growing to 60 feet (18 m) tall and 40 feet (12 m) wide, with large, glossy dark green leaves and large white flowers.

How to Grow Southern Magnolia - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Bull bay
  • Sweetbay
  • Swampbay
  • White bay
  • Big laurel

Basic info

  • The scientific name for the southern magnolia is Magnolia grandiflora.
  • The southern magnolia is a native plant to the southeastern United States.
  • The southern magnolia is an evergreen tree that can grow to be 60 to 80 feet tall.
  • The southern magnolia has large, glossy, dark green leaves that are 6 to 12 inches long.
  • The southern magnolia produces large, white, fragrant flowers that are 8 to 12 inches in diameter.
  • The southern magnolia blooms from May to June.
  • The southern magnolia fruit is a cone-like structure that contains reddish-brown seeds.
  • The southern magnolia is the state flower of Mississippi and the state tree of Louisiana.
  • The southern magnolia is a popular landscape plant and is used in many home and public gardens.
  • The southern magnolia is also known as the bull bay, big laurel, and swamp bay.

Related plant:
Southern Live Oak

Planting Process

  1. For southern magnolia, first step is to purchase saplings from a nursery or online retailer.
  2. Once you have your saplings, find an appropriate spot in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
  3. Prepare the planting site by clearing away any debris and loosening the soil.
  4. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your sapling.
  5. Carefully remove the sapling from its container and place it in the hole.
  6. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down lightly as you go.
  7. Water the area well, being sure to saturate the root ball.
  8. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the sapling, being sure to keep it away from the trunk.
  9. Water the sapling regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  10. Fertilize annually with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.

Related plant:
Southern Magnolia Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the southern magnolia prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including those that are sandy, loamy, or clay-based, as long as they are not allowed to dry out. The tree also does not tolerate salt well, so it is not a good choice for planting near the coast.

Light requirement

Just like other magnolia species, the southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an evergreen tree that prefers full sun exposure. It is native to the southeastern United States, where it is often found growing in swamps and other moist areas. The southern magnolia can reach a height of up to 80 feet and a width of up to 40 feet. The tree has large, leathery leaves that are dark green on top and brown on the bottom. The tree produces large, white flowers that have a strong, lemony fragrance.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the Southern Magnolia is warmth. This tree does not tolerate freezing temperatures well, so it is best to plant it in an area that is protected from the cold.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60% During the winter, you may need to increase the humidity for your Southern Magnolia. You can do this by placing the plant on a pebble tray or by using a humidifier. Be sure to mist the leaves regularly.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this family of plant only needs a low nitrogen fertilizer. For the roots, they are very sensitive to disturbance. Therefore, it is essential to be very careful when transplanting these trees.

About light

Pruning your southern magnolia is important to keep the plant healthy. You should prune in late winter or early spring. Start by removing any dead or dying branches. Then, cut back any branches that are growing too close to the main trunk. You can also thin out the canopy to allow more light to reach the ground.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done by rooting semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the tips of branches in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and taken from new growth that hasn't flowered yet. Place the cuttings in pots filled with a mix of perlite, peat moss, and sand. Water the cuttings well and place them in a shady spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and in a few weeks the cuttings should take root.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow, with an average of 10 to 15 feet over a ten-year period. However, some saplings have been known to grow up to 6 feet in a year. Once the tree matures, its growth rate begins to taper off until it reaches a full height of around 80 feet.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root problems, including root rot and girdling roots. These problems can lead to the death of the tree. Other problems include caterpillars, scale, and aphids. These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of the tree.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
  • Place your plant in a location where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Fertilize your plant every few months with a high-quality fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant routinely to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you see any, treat them promptly.
  • Do not expose your plant to extreme temperatures.
  • Make sure your plant has adequate drainage.
  • Give your plant some room to grow. Do not overcrowd it.
  • Mulch around your plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Enjoy your beautiful plant!

Similar Plants

  • Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
  • Southern cross (Ipomoea fistulosa)
  • Southern apple (Malus sylvestris ssp. sylvestris)
  • Southern banjo (Crinum americanum)
  • Southern bayberry (Myrica cerifera)
  • Southern bear's breech (Acanthus mollis)
  • Southern beech (Nothofagus dombeyi)
  • Southern beech fern (Pleurosoriopsis mabgeba)
  • Southern bellflower (Campanula americana)
  • Southern bellflower (Campanulastrum americanum)

Source:
Southern Magnolia - Coastal Carolina University
Southern Magnolia | Oklahoma State University
Magnolia grandiflora, southern magnolia | Trees of Stanford

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category