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Public Plant Profile

Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana

Category: Deciduous Tree • Magnolia

Sweetbay magnolia features fragrant flowers and lush foliage, perfect for accents and screening in gardens.

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Mature Height: 30-40 feet

Mature Width: 20-30 feet

Bloom Color: White, Cream

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 5-9

Maintenance: Moderate

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Spring

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Sweetbay Magnolia is a fragrant, deciduous tree known for its beautiful, creamy white flowers and glossy green leaves. It thrives in moist, acidic soils and is often found near water sources.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in partial to full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types.

Soil Preferences

Requires well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and adapts to various soil conditions.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenscreeningaccent

Special Features

Fragrant flowersattractive foliage

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Tolerates wet conditions and some salt.

Notes from Our Designer

Ideal for wet areas and can enhance garden aesthetics with its beautiful blooms. Suitable for naturalized settings.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sweetbay Magnolia a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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