Southern magnolia Magnolia grandiflora
Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Magnoliaceae family, native to Southeastern United States. It grows 9–15 m (30–49 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Southern magnolia in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Southern magnolia at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Mature height | 9–15 m (30–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southeastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Southern magnolia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Southern magnolia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Southern magnolia in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Butchart Gardens (1 plants)
- Fairy Lake Botanical Garden (2 plants)
- Longwood Gardens (1 plants)
Questions about Southern magnolia
- How far apart should I plant Southern magnolia?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Southern magnolia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Southern magnolia need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Southern magnolia?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Southern magnolia flower?
- From about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Southern magnolia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA.
- What grows well with Southern magnolia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Southern magnolia. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Large evergreen that drops leaves year-round and needs room; cultivars such as Little Gem stay much smaller.
- Grafted selections flower in 3-5 years; seedlings can take 10 years or more.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera
- Yulan magnolia Magnolia denudata
- Champak Magnolia champaca
- White champaka (champi) Magnolia × alba
- Star magnolia (shidekobushi) Magnolia stellata
- Lily magnolia (mulan) Magnolia liliiflora
- Kobushi magnolia Magnolia kobus