Magnolia, Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana 'Jim Wilson' Height: 35 feet Spread: 20 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4b Other Names: Swamp Magnolia, Laurel Magnolia Description: A medium sized tree with fragrant cup-shaped flowers in late spring, and then sporadically throughout summer; withstands lower winter temperatures, semi-evergreen; narrow habit makes it a wonderful accent in smaller home landscapes Ornamental Features Magnolia, Moonglow Sweetbay features bold fragrant creamy white cup-shaped flowers held atop the branches from mid spring to early summer. It has dark green foliage with silver undersides. The glossy pointy leaves turn yellow in fall. Landscape Attributes Magnolia, Moonglow Sweetbay is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics. Magnolia, Moonglow Sweetbay is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Magnolia, Moonglow Sweetbay will grow to be about 35 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more. This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species. Special Attributes Magnolias are not toxic plants. They are also Deer Resistant to being eaten, but some deer like to use them as a back scratchers. Magnolias also need protection from strong winds.
