treeN. America Native

Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana 'Jim Wilson'

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

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Eastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia virginiana, the sweetbay magnolia, is a native tree known for its lemon-scented, creamy-white flowers and handsome foliage that is often semi-evergreen to evergreen in warmer climates. 'Jim Wilson', sold as Moonglow®, is a cultivar noted for its upright, single-trunk tree form, vigorous growth, and excellent foliage retention, remaining evergreen in most of its range.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Moonglow® is a superb specimen tree, offering multi-season interest with its fragrant summer flowers, attractive cone-like fruit with red seeds, and handsome evergreen foliage that flashes silvery undersides in the breeze.

Its tolerance for wet soils makes it an excellent problem-solver for boggy areas of the landscape. It can be used as a small-stature shade tree or an evergreen screen in southern climates.

The flowers attract various pollinators, and the seeds are eaten by birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. It is a host plant for the larvae of the sweetbay silkmoth and the palamedes swallowtail butterfly.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with moist, acidic soil; amend with compost.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole, with the root flare slightly above grade.
Backfill the hole with the original soil.
Water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

This magnolia thrives in wet conditions, making it a perfect choice for low spots or areas with poor drainage where other trees fail.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
Use an acid-based fertilizer if leaves appear yellow (chlorotic).
Mulch annually to protect the shallow root system.
Allow ample space for it to reach its mature size.

Don't

Do not plant in dry, alkaline soils.
Avoid cultivating or digging around the base of the tree.
Don't prune heavily; it has a naturally beautiful form.
Avoid letting the tree dry out, particularly in the first few years.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen tree for lawnsFragrant accent near patios or windowsIdeal for rain gardens or moist areas

Companion Plants

Clethra alnifolia Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' Osmunda cinnamomea Lobelia cardinalis Iris versicolor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia questions

What zones can Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia grow in?

Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia deer resistant?

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

When does Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia bloom?

Moonglow 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 Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia need full sun?

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