Magnolia virginiana
sweet bay
A deciduous or semi-evergreen tree, up to 9m high, with elliptic to oval-shaped, glossy bright green leaves to 15cm long. Deeply cup-shaped, fragrant creamy white flowers are produced from early to late summer
Other common names
beaverwoodcastorwood
see moreelk bark
small laurel magnolia
swamp bay
swamp sassafras
white bay
white laurel
swamp laurel
sweet bay
Synonyms
Magnolia glauca
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Genus
Magnolia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with large, showy, often fragrant flowers, often opening before the leaves, and sometimes followed by colourful cone-like fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E USA to Texas, Cuba
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well drained, neutral to acid soil, in full sun or light shade with shelter from cold winds. It is likely to drop most of the foliage during cold winters. Late frost may damage the shoot tips, leaves and flower buds. Mulch in spring to keep the soil moist. For more information see magnolia cultivation
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous or semi-evergreen magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and capsid bug
Diseases
May be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, virus diseases or fungal leaf spot
Get involved
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