Southern Magnolia

There is no wonder why Mississippi is called the Magnolia State. The Southern Magnolia is an iconic symbol in the landscape in Mississippi and across the southeast. Nothing describes the Southern magnolia better than its given scientific name Magnolia grandiflora. It is a beautiful classic magnolia with its large, thick and glossy leaves. The individual oblong leaves are five to eight inches long and feel leathery. The bottoms of the leaves are covered with a rusty brown fuzz. Being true to its scientific name, Magnolia grandiflora, the flowers certainly are grand. In late spring through summer, the creamy white flowers are displayed, and you certainly can’t miss the up to eight-inch diameter cup shaped blooms. The petals are thick and feel waxy and have a lemony fragrance. The flowers are replaced with cone-like seed pods. When the pods ripen, the large red seeds are pushed out and add to the beauty of this tree. Capable of growing at a moderate rate to a height of 80 feet or more with a 30 to 40-foot spread, the southern magnolia forms a dense, dark green pyramidal shape in the landscape. If you live in the South and your landscape doesn’t include a Southern Magnolia, you’re missing out on one of the oldest and most beautiful blooming evergreen trees in existence. I am Eddie Smith, and I will see you next time on Southern Gardening.