Plant Profile: Southern Magnolia

Planting and Caring for Southern Magnolia: A Majestic Evergreen for Your Landscape

The Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a true icon of the South. With its glossy evergreen leaves, enormous fragrant blooms, and elegant stature, it’s a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of classic beauty to their landscape. Whether you’re planting it as a shade tree, a focal point, or a privacy screen, the Southern Magnolia is a low-maintenance, long-lasting tree that thrives in warm climates like North Carolina gardens.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planting, growing, and maintaining a healthy Southern Magnolia so you can enjoy its beauty for decades to come.

Why Choose a Southern Magnolia?

Year-Round Evergreen Beauty – Unlike deciduous magnolias, this one keeps its deep green leaves year-round. The undersides of the leaves often have a bronze or rust-colored fuzz, adding even more interest to the tree’s appearance.

Large, Fragrant Flowers – The tree produces massive, creamy-white blooms up to 12 inches across from late spring through summer. The flowers have a sweet, lemony fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Versatile Landscape Uses – Southern Magnolia makes a stunning shade tree, an ornamental centerpiece, or a wind and privacy screen when planted in groups.

Wildlife Friendly – The cone-shaped seed pods attract birds and small mammals, while the flowers provide food for pollinators.

Durable & Low Maintenance – Once established, this tree is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and long-lived, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

Best Growing Conditions for Southern Magnolia

Sunlight Needs

Southern Magnolias thrive in full sun to partial shade. At least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for strong growth and maximum flower production.

Soil Requirements

This tree prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. However, it’s adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as there is good drainage.

Watering Needs

Young trees need regular watering to establish strong roots. Once mature, they are drought-tolerant but still benefit from occasional deep watering during dry spells.

How to Plant a Southern Magnolia

1. Pick the Perfect Location

Southern Magnolias get large, often reaching 60 to 80 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. It is important to give the tree plenty of space. Avoid planting too close to buildings or driveways, as the large surface roots can cause issues over time.

2. Dig the Right-Sized Hole

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the height of the root ball. Loosen the soil around the hole to help roots establish easily.

3. Planting the Tree

Gently place the magnolia in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost, then firm the soil gently to remove air pockets. Water deeply and apply a two- to three-inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for a Southern Magnolia Year-Round

Watering

Young trees need weekly watering, or more in hot, dry weather. Established trees can tolerate short droughts but will benefit from occasional deep watering. Avoid overwatering, as magnolias dislike soggy roots.

Fertilizing

Southern Magnolias are not heavy feeders, but a slow-release balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) applied in early spring can boost growth and flowering. For older trees, applying compost or an organic fertilizer in spring and late summer can help maintain healthy foliage.

Pruning & Maintenance

Minimal pruning is needed, as this tree naturally has a beautiful shape. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. If you want to control size, lightly prune after blooming season to avoid removing next year’s buds.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing Leaves

Possible causes include overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency. Reduce watering if the soil is staying too wet and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring.

Pests (Scale Insects & Aphids)

Scale and aphids suck the sap from leaves, leading to sticky residue and sooty mold. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil and encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.

Fungal Issues (Leaf Spot & Root Rot)

Fungal issues often arise from high humidity, excess moisture, or poor air circulation. Avoid overhead watering, prune for airflow, and plant in well-draining soil.

Best Companion Plants for Southern Magnolia

Since the dense canopy of a Southern Magnolia creates deep shade, plant shade-loving companions at its base:

Hostas – Lush, low-maintenance foliage plants that thrive in shady areas.
Ferns – Add soft texture to the base of your magnolia.
Azaleas & Rhododendrons – These acid-loving shrubs complement magnolias beautifully.
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) – A winter-blooming perennial that thrives in shady gardens.

For a Southern-style landscape, consider pairing your magnolia with:
Camellias for winter blooms
Ornamental grasses for contrast
Gardenias for even more fragrant white flowers

Why Southern Magnolia is a Must-Have for Your NC Garden

Southern Magnolia isn’t just a tree—it’s an investment in beauty, shade, and wildlife support. Whether you’re planting one for its stunning flowers, glossy foliage, or historic charm, this hardy, low-maintenance tree will reward you for years to come.

If you’re looking for a classic, Southern-inspired shade tree, the Southern Magnolia is a perfect choice for your NC garden.