Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
An iconic broadleaf evergreen of the South, bearing huge, fragrant, creamy-white flowers and glossy leathery leaves with rusty-felted undersides. It drops leathery leaves and large seed cones year-round, so it is best left skirted to the ground over mulch rather than turf. Needs acidic, well-drained soil and shelter from harsh winter wind at its northern limits.
Field reference
Family
Magnoliaceae
Growth rate
Moderate
Mature size
60–80 ft tall, 30–50 ft spread
Hardiness zone
6–10
Soil preference
Moist, rich, well-drained, acidic loam; intolerant of wet feet
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Pruning window
Late spring to early summer, after bloom
Wood properties
Moderately hard, heavy, straight-grained wood (~0.50 SG) used for furniture and pallets. Strong central leader; low skirting branches make a heavy, dense crown to thin.
Native range
Southeastern United States coastal plain, North Carolina to Florida and Texas
Green weight
53 lb/ft³
Pests & diseases to watch
Common questions
Why does my magnolia constantly drop leaves, even when healthy?
As a broadleaf evergreen, Southern magnolia sheds older leaves year-round, not just in fall. Leaving the lower skirt branches and mulching beneath catches the leathery leaf and cone litter.
Why are the leaves sticky with black coating?
Magnolia scale is a large soft scale that excretes copious honeydew, fueling black sooty mold. Treat with dormant-season horticultural oil and target the crawler stage in late summer.
Related species in Magnoliaceae
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