The Southern Magnolia is an aristocrat of trees. It grows well throughout the South, is widely adaptable to a variety of soils, and has few pest problems. With glossy evergreen foliage and large white fragrant blossoms, it truly is one of the most handsome and durable native trees for Southern landscapes. Southern Magnolias can grow in full sun to part shade as one can sometimes find seedlings at the edge of woods. Hardy to zone 6, some cultivars offer superior hardiness.
Southern Magnolias prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils, although they are tolerant of high moisture levels and can be planted in areas prone to wet/dry fluctuations in soil moisture. Blossoms are creamy white, with a sweet lemony fragrance, 6" to 12" in diameter. Flowering begins in late May-early June and continues sporadically all summer. Trees grown from seed generally start flowering within 10 years. Fruit is a pinkish red aggregate of folicles about 5" in length, splitting open in the late summer to expose the dark red seeds. Southern Magnolias grow 60 to 80 feet in height with a spread of about 30 to 50 feet. There are numerous cultivars, and there can be variation between seedlings. Grows at about a medium rate with a pyramidal habit. Generally branched to the ground and best left this way since growing anything under them is futile.
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5/28/00. This Magnolia tree appreared at the edge of the woods just off the back deck about 5 years ago. I assume a bird or the wind deposited a seed there. It has grown steadily, and is now about 8-10 feet tall. Another 5 years and maybe I'll have a blossom.
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10/7/00. Grown about an inch this year so far. Leaves are very green and glossy. Seems to like where it is.
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