treeN. America Native

Green Shadow Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana 'Green Shadow'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to high

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

50-100 years

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia virginiana is a versatile native tree, often semi-evergreen to evergreen in warmer climates, known for its lemon-scented, creamy-white flowers. It typically has an open, multi-stemmed habit and tolerates wet soils. 'Green Shadow' is a cultivar selected for its strong, upright, single-trunk form and its excellent foliage retention, remaining evergreen into Zone 6. The leaves have a glossy dark green surface and a striking silvery-white underside.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Green Shadow' is a refined specimen tree, offering multi-season interest with its fragrant, cup-shaped white flowers, glossy green leaves with silver undersides that shimmer in the breeze, and decorative red-seeded cones in fall.

Its tolerance for wet soils makes it an excellent choice for rain gardens or low-lying areas in the landscape. The evergreen nature of this cultivar provides year-round screening.

This native tree provides nectar for pollinators and its seeds are eaten by a variety of birds and small mammals. It is also a host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to part shade with moist, acidic soil.
Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball.
Amend heavy clay or alkaline soils with compost and peat moss.
Set the tree so the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch with pine straw or shredded bark to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant where its intoxicating lemon-vanilla fragrance can be enjoyed, such as near a patio or window.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in the first few years.
Mulch annually to protect the shallow root system.
Test soil pH and amend if necessary to keep it acidic.

Don't

Don't let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid planting in dry, alkaline soils.
Don't cultivate or dig around the base of the tree, as roots are shallow.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen for moist areasPatio tree for fragranceScreening in woodland gardens

Companion Plants

Itea virginica Clethra alnifolia Fothergilla gardenii Osmunda cinnamomea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Green Shadow Sweetbay Magnolia questions

What zones can Green Shadow Sweetbay Magnolia grow in?

Green Shadow Sweetbay Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Green Shadow Sweetbay Magnolia deer resistant?

Yes — Green Shadow Sweetbay Magnolia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Green Shadow Sweetbay Magnolia bloom?

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

Does Green Shadow Sweetbay Magnolia need full sun?

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