Species

Magnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

6 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia grandiflora, the Southern magnolia, is a broadleaf evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, characterized by its large, leathery leaves and fragrant, cup-shaped white flowers. The species naturally forms a broad, spreading canopy and thrives in rich, moist, acidic soils across USDA zones 7 through 9.

'Alta' is distinguished by its tightly upright, narrowly columnar growth habit and dense branching that requires far less lateral space than the species. The foliage features a glossy dark green upper surface contrasted by a thick, velvety, rusty-brown indumentum on the leaf undersides.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, fragrant, creamy-white flowers set against glossy evergreen foliage with a striking rusty-brown underside.

Serves as an excellent narrow privacy screen or windbreak in tight urban spaces where wider trees cannot fit.

Provides dense, year-round nesting habitat and shelter for songbirds, while the flowers attract native bees and beetles.

SpeciesMagnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

472"

Width

157"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, organically rich, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare remains slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the root system.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Plant with the root flare completely exposed at the soil line to prevent collar rot, and avoid shearing the outer canopy into a formal hedge, which destroys the flower buds and mutilates the large, architectural leaves.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells in the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.
Apply an organic mulch annually to conserve soil moisture and regulate root temperatures.
Prune lightly after the summer flowering cycle to maintain shape or remove stray branches.

Don't

Do not bury the root flare when planting, as this induces collar rot and trunk decline.
Do not shear the canopy into a tight, formal shape, which ruins the natural columnar form and removes flower buds.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, as it lacks active buds and will fail to regenerate.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreePrivacy ScreenNarrow BorderStreet TreeCourtyard Planting

Companion Plants

Camellia japonica Gardenia jasminoides Hydrangea quercifolia Ophiopogon japonicus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Southern Magnolia questions

What zones can Southern Magnolia grow in?

Southern Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Southern Magnolia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Southern Magnolia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Southern Magnolia bloom?

Southern Magnolia typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Southern Magnolia need full sun?

Southern Magnolia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Southern Magnolia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Southern Magnolia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.