Images Depict Mature Plants
Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
Sweetbay Magnolia is Native to North America. We use this in naturalistic plantings whenever we can. It is semi-evergreen which means in milder climates it will hold its leaves through the winter. The white flowers have a lemony-scent which fills the air in spring through to early summer. Perfect near patios or decks where you can fully enjoy the heavenly fragrance.
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Sweetbay Magnolia for Sale Online
Sweetbay Magnolia, otherwise known as Magnolia Virginiana, is a handsome semi-evergreen native tree with cup-shaped, fragrant flowers against a background of glossy green leaves. The southern belle of trees and a true sophisticated beauty, the Sweet Bay is loved for its unique foliage and ability to withstand a variety of conditions.
The Virginianas typically grow in full sun to part shade and a moderately moist rich soil. However, due to its hardy nature, this type of Magnolia Tree will gladly tolerate acidic, medium to wet soils, along with full to part shade. This feature makes the Sweetbay a perfect addition to high moisture areas near bogs, creeks and ponds.
Native to North America, this multi stemmed shrub produces gorgeous creamy-white flowers that produce a sweet lemon scent. The oblong green foliage pairs gorgeously with the tree's large springtime blooms. Additionally, the Sweet Bay Magnolia produces red seeded fruits that mature in the fall and bring a new level of interest and beauty to the plant.
This tree is ideal for use as a specimen tree or focal point, as well as a great addition in foundation plantings, parks and campuses. Wherever you decide to plant a Sweetbay Magnolia, there is no doubt you will feel surrounded by the beauty and elegance that it emits.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 10 to 30 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 10 to 20 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved deciduous tree, spring flowering |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Habit: | Upright, umbrella shaped canopy. |
| Foliage: | Dark green, yellow color in fall |
| Flower Color: | White, fragrant |
| Pruning Season: | No pruning needed |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Tolerates moist soil and full sun. Full sun brings out the best fall color; will adapt to drier sites |
How to Care for Sweetbay Magnolia
Before you buy a Sweetbay Magnolia Tree, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How do I plant a Sweetbay Magnolia?
We suggest when planting your newly purchased Sweetbay Magnolia that you dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but not deeper. Depending on the quality of your existing soil you may need to add a locally sourced compost or topsoil to the back-fill soil. We do not recommend using straight topsoil or compost as a back-fill soil because more times than not these products will retain entirely to much moisture and will cause the root system to rot. Adding compost or topsoil will help the young feeder roots of Sweetbay Magnolia to spread through the loose, nutrient rich soil, much easier than if you used solely the existing soil which more times than not will be hard and compacted. The most common cause of plant death after transplanting is planting the new plant to deep. That is why we do not recommend planting in a hole any deeper than the soil line of the plant in the pot. A good rule is that you should still be able to see the soil the plant was grown in after back-filling the hole. Bio-tone starter fertilizer is a great starter fertilizer that provides plants with mycorrhizae fungus. It is a naturally occurring beneficial fungus that colonizes on the new growing roots of plants. It creates a barrier between the roots of the plant and fungus and pathogens that can cause root rot. We love this product and use it on all plants we install in our own gardens. Bio-tone is a gardeners best friend and can help guarantee your success.
How do I water Sweetbay Magnolias?
After back filling and lightly compacting the 50/50 mix of existing soil and compost give the Sweetbay Magnolia a good deep watering. This is not to be rushed. Most of the water you put on the plant at first will run away from the plant until the soil is soaked. A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. For example a one gallon pot would be watered until you count to 5 a three gallon pot would be 15 and so on. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day there after. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks. Gator Bags are a good investment that will help minimize the watering chore. Gator bag Jr. can be used to help aid in this process and also provide plants with a good soaking due to the slow release of the water into the root-zone of the plant. Soaker Hoses can also be used to water when planting a long hedge.
How do I fertilize Sweetbay Magnolia?
Trees such as Sweetbay Magnolia grow best if they are fertilized lightly in the spring once frost has passed with a well-balanced, extended-release, fertilizer such as espoma Tree-tone. Fertilize Sweetbay Magnolia again 6 to 8 weeks later to encourage denser foliage or faster growth of young trees. We recommend Bio-Tone fertilizer when planting. Either chemical fertilizers or organic matter can be used successfully with Sweetbay Magnolia. Since an organic method of applying manure and/or compost around the roots, produces excellent results and also improves the condition of the soil, this would be an excellent first line of attack.
How do I mulch Sweetbay Magnolia?
We highly recommend that you mulch your Sweetbay Magnolia with either a ground hardwood mulch or a ground cypress mulch depending on your local availability. Any type of mulch will do but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality and provide better nutrition overall as they breakdown. Mulching helps to keep weeds away which will compete with your new investment for water and nutrients. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch is sufficient but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem of the plant with mulch. Its better to leave a one inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant.
