How fast does it grow?

It is a slow to moderate grower, typically adding 1 to 2 feet per year.

Does it need full sun?

It thrives in full sun but appreciates partial shade in the hottest climates.

Plant guide

Southern Magnolia.

Magnolia grandiflora

Pronounced mag-NO-lee-uh gran-dih-FLOR-uh

Also known as Big-laurel, Bull-bay, Evergreen Magnolia, Southern Belle, Southern Magnolia, bull bay, great flowered magnolia, laurier tulipier

Magnolia grandiflora — Photo by Lauren McLaurin (CC BY) via gbif

This iconic evergreen tree is famous for its massive, fragrant white blossoms and glossy dark green leaves. It makes a stunning focal point in large landscapes. You will love how it brings a classic Southern charm to your garden.

Another photo of Southern Magnolia — Photo by Joseph McPhail (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 60 to 80 feet tall
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 10
Bloom time: Late spring to summer

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with plenty of room to spread its roots and branches. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which might mean the soil is too alkaline or lacks proper drainage. It thrives best when given consistent moisture while it is still getting established.

Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first few years to help the root system settle in.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
Pruning: Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches after the tree has finished its main flowering cycle.
Repotting: If growing in a container, move to a larger pot every few years until it reaches its final size.
Soil: Rich, acidic, well-draining soil
Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.5
Temperature: -15 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Long-lived, often exceeding 80 to 100 years.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Noticeable decline in growth rate.

Safety

People: The leaves and bark are generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion is not recommended.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The large, heavy seed cones can be a choking hazard if left on the ground where small children play.
Contact allergens: The fuzzy underside of the leaves can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The heavy, sweet fragrance of the flowers may trigger sensitivities in those prone to floral allergies.
Edibility: The plant is not considered edible for humans.

How to identify it

Large, glossy, dark green leaves
Fragrant, creamy white cup shaped flowers
Rusty brown fuzzy leaf undersides
Conical, dense evergreen growth habit

Height: 6 to 24m
Spread: 4 to 15m
Leaves: dark green, bronze, evergreen
Flowers: white, cream, 15 to 30cm
Fruit: red, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Scale insects · Small sap-sucking insects that can cause leaf yellowing and sooty mold.
Leaf spot · Fungal infections that create dark spots on foliage during humid weather.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings, layering
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from freezing temperatures. In colder zones, wrap young trees in burlap to prevent winter burn on the foliage.
In containers: It is generally too large for long-term container growth, though dwarf cultivars can be kept in large tubs for several years.

Semi-hardwood cuttings

Take 6-inch cuttings in late summer.
Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Place in a well-draining potting mix and keep humid until rooted.

Plant shallow-rooted shrubs beneath the magnolia to avoid disturbing its sensitive root system.

Grows well with

Azalea · They share similar requirements for acidic soil and partial shade.
Hosta · These shade-loving perennials thrive under the canopy of a mature magnolia.

Similar species

Sweetbay Magnolia · A smaller, more cold-hardy relative with similar fragrant flowers.

Science

Family: Magnoliaceae
Genus: Magnolia
Order: Magnoliales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Southeastern United States
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered, though wild populations are managed in some regions.

This tree thrives in moist, acidic soils and often dominates the understory of bottomland forests.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, nesting site for birds
Pollinators: beetles
Uses: ornamental specimen, privacy screen, shade tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 4/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does it grow?: It is a slow to moderate grower, typically adding 1 to 2 feet per year.
Does it need full sun?: It thrives in full sun but appreciates partial shade in the hottest climates.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors French botanist Pierre Magnol, while the species name grandiflora means large-flowered.

Good to know

Magnolia grandiflora is the state tree of Mississippi.
The flowers can reach up to 12 inches in diameter.
It is one of the most recognizable trees in the American South.
The leaves have a beautiful, glossy texture that stays green year-round.

Keep your southern magnolia growing

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.