Sweetbay magnolia
Sweetbay magnolia flower.
* Common name: Sweetbay magnolia
* Botanical name: Magnolia virginiana
* What it is: A small and slow-growing native tree that has dark-green glossy leaves and large, showy white flowers from May into early summer. Stays evergreen most winters.
* Size: 15 to 20 feet tall, slightly less in diameter.
* Where to use: Does best in partly shaded spots but durable enough to withstand full sun. Likes damp soil and tolerates fairly wet soil, so it’s a good choice along streams or in rain gardens and low-lying areas. Also works well as a patio tree.
* Care: Keep consistently damp, especially in the early years and in sunnier spots. Prefers acidy soil, so consider adding sulfur at planting, then a scattering of Holly-tone each spring. Prune out any crossing or excess branches immediately after bloom and make shaping or size-control cuts at the same time if you prefer a single-stem form. Otherwise, tree likely will grow two or more trunks. Lower limbs can be removed as desired as the trees grow.
* Great partner: Golden variegated Japanese forestgrass or coralbells ‘Electra.’
Form of sweetbay magnolia "Henry Hicks' at Scott Arboretum.
Hi George,
I just moved to Center City/Philly from the Bay Area and would like to make some change in my patio garden. I am looking for clumping bamboos that do well in this climate - but in the range of 3-8ft tall.
Wondering if you have any suggestions?
Thanks so much,
Kerry
Kerry,
I have first-hand experience with one clumping bamboo in that size range, a cultivar named fargesia ‘Rufa.’ It over-wintered fine for me for years, grew a little over 6 feet tall, and slowly expanded in a clump, similar to ornamental grass. I grew it in a mostly shaded spot. I’d recommend it as a good choice when you don’t want something taller.
I would like to plant a tree in front of my house and was considering the sweetbay magnolia.
We have a three story stone house with a small front yard-about 25 feet x 50 feet but we have to consider sewer and utility lines.
Do you feel this is a good choice? Or would you recommend something else?
Kate,
Sweetbay magnolia is a good small-tree choice that stays under 20 feet. I can’t say for sure if it’s perfect for your particular situation without knowing/seeing the site, but that size of a space is fine for a tree this size.
If you haven’t seen it, I have a Top 10 list of my favorite small trees on my website. It’s at https://georgeweigel.net/georges-favorite-plants-etc/top-10-small-trees
Sweetbay magnolia is on that list.