Overview
Magnolia virginiana var. australis is a bushy trees in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Magnolia virginiana var. australis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Magnolia virginiana, most commonly known as sweetbay magnolia, or merely sweetbay, is a member of the magnolia family, Magnoliaceae. It was the first magnolia to be scientifically described under modern rules of botanical nomenclature, and is the type species of the genus Magnolia; as Magnolia is also the type genus of all flowering plants (magnoliophytes), this species in a sense typifies all flowering plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Magnolia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Magnolia virginiana var. australis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia virginiana var. australis
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Horse chestnut scale, Capsid bug
- Disease resistance
- Coral spot, Phytophthora, Grey moulds, Honey fungus, Virus diseases, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia virginiana var. australis?
Magnolia virginiana var. australis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia virginiana var. australis need?
Magnolia virginiana var. australis grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Magnolia virginiana var. australis hardy in the UK?
Magnolia virginiana var. australis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Magnolia virginiana var. australis?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia 'Antje Zandee'
- Magnolia 'Aurora'
- Magnolia 'Pink Delight'
- Magnolia 'Randy'
- Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)
- Magnolia biondii 'Charlie Looping'
- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'
- Magnolia coco
