Mature Height/Spread: Southern magnolia, also known as Bull Bay, is a handsome evergreen tree that will grow 60 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 50 feet wide. It is densely pyramidal, symmetrical and low-branching when young. The form is more irregular at maturity. The form of seedlings varies considerably. Some are open with a lot of space between branches, others are very dense. Some are as wide as they are tall, others are very columnar.

Growth Rate: The growth rate is variable, depending on the seedling, but generally it grows at a slow to medium rate (1 to 2 feet yearly). It responds to water and fertilization with faster growth. It is a long-lived tree.

Ornamental Features: This tree is valued for many features: beautiful, fragrant flowers; dark lustrous leaves; striking fruit and overall size and stature. The flower is creamy white, large (8 to 12 inch diameter), solitary and very fragrant. It blooms in May and June, and some cultivars bloom sporadically throughout the summer.

The leaves are large (5 to 10 inches long, 3 to 4 inches wide), dark green and lustrous on the upper side. The lower side may be light green, or fuzzy and rusty brown. The fuzzy, brown fruit is 3 to 8 inches long. The bright red-orange seeds are exposed September through November. The fruit fall in November and December.

Landscape Use: The Southern magnolia requires a lot of space, and should be reserved for large properties. It can be used as a lawn specimen, screen, or, with smaller, dense cultivars, as a hedge.

Preferred soil conditions are as previously mentioned. This tree tolerates occasional wet conditions; some cultivars tolerate moderate drought if allowed enough space for root growth. If soil is moist, or irrigation can be provided, this tree thrives in full sun. Otherwise, plant the tree in partial shade.

Problems: This tree is mostly problem-free. Scales may infest leaves and twigs. In humid climates, leaves may develop leaf spots. Leaves are shed as new foliage appears. Unless lower limbs are left on the tree, this leaf litter is unsightly, and often removed by homeowners. Lower limbs are often removed in order to mow beneath the tree. When planting, allow enough space so the lower limbs can drape the ground, hiding the fallen leaves, which will provide necessary nutrients as they decompose.

Cultivars:

* ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ – This tree is compact and dense, possibly 30 feet tall. The leaves are small (6 inches), with dark, lustrous upper and rusty brown lower. The fragrant flowers are 5 to 6 inches in diameter.

* ‘Claudia Wannamaker’ – This is a vigorous grower, medium broad pyramid form, more open than ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty.’ Leaves are dark green and rusty brown. Blooms at an early age.

* ‘Edith Bogue’ – This has a tight pyramid form (30 feet tall, 15 feet wide). Leaves are narrow, dark green and tan. Blooms at an early age.

* ‘Little Gem’ – This is compact and upright, more like a dense shrub (20 feet tall, 10 feet wide). Leaves are small (4 inches) and lustrous, dark green and bronze. Flowers are small (3- to 4-inch diameter). Blooms at an early age and sporadically throughout the growing season.

* ‘Majestic Beauty’ – This is a large pyramidal tree (35 to 50 feet tall, 20 feet wide). Leaves are large; flowers profusely.

* ‘Samuel Sommer’ – This tree is fast growing, with an upright, ascending habit (30 to 40 feet tall, 30 feet wide). Leaves dark green and bronze. Large flowers.

* ‘St. Mary’ – This has a compact, somewhat flat habit. It is easily trained for espalier. Early, profuse flowers. Leaves dark green and deep bronze.