Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
720 inches
Width
480 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
80+ years
Native To
Southern United States
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Magnolia grandiflora is a large evergreen tree known for its glossy, leathery leaves and large, fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom in summer, creating a striking and aromatic display. This species is distinguished by its robust growth and ability to provide year-round foliage, with flowers that have a strong, pleasant fragrance attracting pollinators and enhancing landscape appeal.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-draining loam soil.
- Tuck a mature plant into a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Backfill with amended soil and water deeply to settle soil around roots.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Mist young plants regularly during dry spells for best growth.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Pro Tip
Plant in spring or fall for best establishment, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape the tree
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Do not prune in late summer or fall ❌
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
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 7–10. 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.
More Magnolia to compare
Felix Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora 'Felix'
Saucer Magnolia Ann
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Ann'
Daybreak Loebner Magnolia
Magnolia stellata 'Daybreak'
Coppertallica Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Coppertallica'
Black Tulip Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip'
Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Southern Magnolia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
