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Tree Guide

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Southern MagnoliaMagnolia grandiflora

  • Southern Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora
  • Southern Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora
Large, creamy white and very fragrant flowers grace this broad leafed evergreen in late spring and early summer. Leaves are shiny green, reddish underneath. Protect from winter winds and sun in northern areas. Grows to 60' to 80', 40' spread. (zones 6-10)
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Hardiness Zones

The southern magnolia can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 6–10. View Map

Tree Type

Mature Size

The southern magnolia grows to a height of 60–80' and a spread of around 40' at maturity.

Growth Speed Slow to Medium Growth Rate

This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The southern magnolia grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It can withstand some flooding and has moderate drought tolerance.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Produces creamy white flowers, sometimes up to 12" in diameter, with a rich fragrance.
  • Blooms May through June, with some blossoms throughout the summer months.
  • Is an evergreen, keeping most (but not all) of its leaves year-round.
  • Features leathery leaves 5–10" in length, lustrous dark green on top with a soft, rusty underside.
  • Needs protection from winter sun and winds in northern areas.
  • Yields fruit that is 3–8" long, attracting birds.
  • Grows in an oval, pyramidal shape.
  • Has a shallow and wide-spreading root system.
  • May be better placed in landscaping rather than along a street due to the leathery leaves and large seed pods that are shed in the fall.

Wildlife Value

The fruit of the southern magnolia is eaten by squirrels, rabbits and birds—including wild turkey.

History/Lore

Magnolias are entwined with the history of the south. Perhaps the one reaching back the farthest into time is a southern magnolia that still grows in what today is Washington State Park in Washington, Arkansas. According to Famous and Historic Trees by Charles E. Randall and Henry Clepper, this tree was planted near an important road junction in 1839 by Gen. Grandison D. Royston. It was near a blacksmith shop where Jim Bowie fashioned his famous knife.

Some call it the Jones Magnolia because two unrelated boys were born to Jones families the same year the tree was planted. Both became Colonels in the Confederate army and one, Daniel W. Jones, eventually became Governor of Arkansas. The other, James K. Jones, became a U.S. Senator. Both laid claim to being the namesake of the tree and James finally resolved the good-natured debate by purchasing the land the tree stood on and making his home there for over 30 years.

Another historic specimen grows on the White House grounds. It was transplanted by President Andrew Jackson from his home in Nashville, Tennessee, in memory of his beloved wife Rachel.

The name magnolia honors a French botanist, Pierre Magnol, who admired the tree so much that he transplanted it to Europe 300 years ago.