Species

Magnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

6 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Carolina Compact'

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia grandiflora, the Southern magnolia, is a broadleaf evergreen tree native to the moist bottomlands of the southeastern United States, reaching substantial heights over time. It features large, thick, glossy green leaves and produces exceptionally fragrant, creamy-white flowers that rely on beetles for pollination.

'Carolina Compact' is distinguished by its tight, upright pyramidal form and a more restricted mature size that suits smaller garden spaces. Unlike many wild selections, its foliage remains deep green on both sides, lacking the typical rust-brown fuzzy coating on the leaf undersides.

Uses & Benefits:

Features large, fragrant white flowers, glossy evergreen foliage, and decorative cone-like seed pods with bright red seeds.

Serves as an effective, dense windbreak or privacy screen due to its compact, upright growth habit.

Provides nesting sites and shelter for songbirds, while the pollen-rich flowers attract native bees and beetles.

SpeciesMagnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480"

Width

270"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to partial shade and deep, well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, water deeply to settle the earth, and apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep, wide-spreading root system.

Pro Tip

Planting in heavy, compacted clay or waterlogged soils leads to root asphyxiation and Phytophthora; establish this tree in well-drained, organically rich loam and use a thick layer of organic mulch instead of trying to grow turfgrass directly beneath the dense canopy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch the root zone heavily to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the shallow root system.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape the canopy or remove dead wood.
Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not cultivate the soil or plant turfgrass directly under the canopy, as this damages the shallow, sensitive roots.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, as it fails to regenerate foliage reliably.
Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water or prolonged flooding.

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 TreeScreeningFormal GardensCoastal GardensStreet Tree

Companion Plants

Camellia japonica Rhododendron indica Hydrangea quercifolia

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 6–9. 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?

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

When does Southern Magnolia bloom?

Southern Magnolia typically blooms in late spring through early 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.