Easily grown in acidic, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, rich, organic soils, but, unlike most other magnolias, tolerates wet, boggy soils. Also tolerates shade. Appreciates a protected location in USDA Zone 5.
This sweet bay magnolia variety (sometimes commonly called southern sweet bay to distinguish it from the species) is a native of the Southeastern U.S. In the northern part of its cultivated range (including the St. Louis area), this variety typically grows either as a 15-20' tree with a spreading, rounded crown or as a shorter, dense, suckering, multi-stemmed shrub. In the deep South, this variety is typically more tree-like and grows much taller, sometimes to 60'. Features cup-shaped, sweetly fragrant (lemony), 9-12 petaled, creamy white flowers (2-4" diameter) which appear in mid-spring and continue sporadically throughout the summer. Oblong-lanceolate, shiny green foliage is silvery beneath. Foliage is evergreen in the South and semi-evergreen to deciduous in the St. Louis area. Cone-like fruits with bright red seeds mature in autumn and can be showy. In comparison to the species, the variety is usually taller, has more fragrant flowers and is more likely to be evergreen.
This sweet bay variety grows taller, has more fragrant flowers and is more likely to be evergreen than the species. It typically grows as a 15-20 foot tall tree or as a multi-stemmed shrub in the Midwest. Cup-shaped, sweetly-fragrant (lemony), creamy-white flowers appear in mid-spring and sometimes sporadically in summer. Cone-like fruits with bright red seeds attract birds in autumn. Shiny green leaves are silvery beneath and remain evergreen in mild winters. This is an excellent medium-sized flowering tree that appreciates a protected location.
No serious disease or insect problems. Susceptible to chlorosis in alkaline soils.
Excellent specimen tree for the lawn or shrub border. Also effective in foundation plantings, near patios, terraces or on the periphery of woodland areas. Often planted in parks. Will grow in wet locations such as low spots or near ponds or streams.
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