Sweet Bay

Scientific Name: Magnolia virginiana L.
Family: Magnoliaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 2-9,14-21
USDA: 5-9

Heat Tolerance: Light shade in areas with hot dry summers

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Eastern and southern USA, in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains

Growth Habits: Deciduous or semi evergreen tree, 40 to 60 feet tall (12 -18 m) or more, 20 feet in spread (6 m); glossy, 3 to 5 inches long, leaves (7-12 cm), silvery lower surface

Flowers: White flowers

Watering Needs: Likes a moist soil, tolerates wet and boggy soil

Propagation: Seeds, selected trees can be grafted, stem tip cuttings in summer under mist

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally seed, layering, grafting/budding

• by softwood stem tip cuttings, in summer. Apply IBA TALC 3000 PPM. Use intermittent mist. Root in 6-8 weeks. Cuttings are ready when the terminal snaps easily. Wound one side before applying the hormone..
• by layers.
• by grafts.
• by seeds, in spring. Germinates at 70-85 degrees F. The seeds can be harvested in autumn. The seeds need stratify 40F 4-5mo.. The usual germination temperature is 70-85 degrees F.

Blooming Habits:
Lemon-scented, cream-colored flowers, 2 to 3 inches wide (5-7 cm), in April to July, depending on location. They come on trees that are 8 to 10 years old.

Fruiting Habits:
The fruit is cone-shaped, cylindrical, 2 inches long (5 cm), red when mature from July to October. The seeds are bright red, about 0.4 inch long (1 cm).