Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora (Magnoliaceae) is a broadleaf evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States. It can reach 100 feet tall with a 10- to 15-foot spread, forming a dense pyramidal to rounded crown. The glossy, dark green leaves have cinnamon-brown felt on the undersides. Large, creamy-white, intensely fragrant flowers (20 to 30 cm across) appear from late spring through summer, followed by cone-like aggregate fruits with red seeds.

Southern magnolia performs best in partial shade on moist, acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 6.5) with consistent moisture; drought tolerance is low. It blooms on old wood, so pruning should follow flowering. Cultivars vary in cold hardiness and size: 'Edith Bogue' is among the hardiest, 'Little Gem' (20 feet) offers compact form with early flowering, and 'Victoria' is selected for cold tolerance. Documented diseases include bacterial blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot, and verticillium wilt. Hardy in Zones 7b to 8b.