Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana 'Sweetbay'

Magnolia virginiana 'Sweetbay' also called Laurel or Swamp Magnolia is a small, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub of loose, open upright habit in the North and deciduous, semi-evergreen forming a large pyramidal tree in the South. It is a graceful tree known for the sweet fragrance of its flowers. In the landscape the Sweetbay Magnolia is excellent as a specimen tree or large shrub or as a patio plant.

The foliage is dark green on the upper surface of the leaves with the undersides a white to silvery color that looks frosted. The autumn foliage is a mix of yellow, brown and green. The creamy white, lemon-scented flowers bloom late May to June and will continue to bloom sporadically during the summer. The 2 inch long aggregate fruit which ripens typically in August changes from green to red as it matures. The fruit is very handsome where the bright red seeds are exposed.

The Sweetbay Magnolia is different than most magnolias in that it does well in wet even swampy soils. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It is best to avoid sites that are cold and windswept in winter. In the North, it will grow 10-20 feet in height and 40-60 feet high in the South.