The Stunning Variety Of Flowering Magnolia Tree That Won't Take Over The Garden

Magnolia trees are stunning sights in the garden, especially in the spring and summer when their charming flowers are in full bloom. As wonderful as these trees look, though, and as sweetly as they may perfume the garden with their flowers, not every magnolia tree is the right plant for every space. Many of the trees have a mature size of 80 feet tall and 50 feet wide. But if you have a smaller yard or garden and still want to enjoy the beauty of a magnolia tree, consider opting for a sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).

Unlike southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) which can become massive, sweetbay magnolias stay at a far more manageable size, with few reaching over 35 feet tall and some cultivars as petite at 10 or 20 feet. Their small statue definitely doesn't result in a lack of blooms though, and they're loaded with lemon-scented white or cream flowers. The flowers are a bit smaller than those of southern magnolias, though.  They also have spicy-scented leaves and wood. Throughout history, magnolia trees have been beloved for their beauty, and now you can enjoy them too.

Hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 10, sweetbay magnolia trees are a bit more cold tolerant than southern magnolias, which are only hardy down to zone 6. Sweetbay magnolias are great for wetter areas as well, since they are tolerant of soggy soil. Find a spot for your tree in full to part sun, and make sure that the soil is rich and acidic.  It's best to test your soil before planting your tree. 

It isn't not just people who love sweetbay magnolias, however; they're also a hit with wildlife. Not only do birds like sap suckers adore the tree, but robins and mockingbirds use the twigs for nest building. Sweetbay magnolias are also pollinator magnets, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Even better, they are host plants for multiple butterfly species like the soicebush swallowtail and the eastern tiger swallowtail. Sweetbays are one of the best magnolia trees you can grow to beautify your yard and help your local wildlife.