Southern Sweetbay Magnolia Seeds (Magnolia virginiana)
Southern Sweetbay Magnolia Seeds (Magnolia virginiana)
Grace in bloom. Fragrance in the breeze.
Magnolia virginiana, the Southern Sweetbay Magnolia, is a graceful semi-evergreen native that fills the air with a soft lemony fragrance and timeless southern charm. Its creamy white flowers bloom from late spring through summer, contrasting beautifully against glossy green leaves with silvery undersides. Elegant yet hardy, it thrives in wet soils and partial shade, making it a natural fit for southern gardens, rain gardens, and woodland edges.
- Native to the southeastern United States
- Fragrant, creamy white blossoms attract bees and butterflies
- Glossy green leaves with silvery undersides for year-round appeal
- Tolerates wet, acidic soils and partial shade with ease
Growing Details
Botanical Name: Magnolia virginiana
Stratification: Required (90–120 days cold stratification)
USDA Zones: 5–9
Soil: Prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 10–35 feet (taller in the Deep South)
Spread: 10–20 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Plant the Southern Sweetbay Magnolia for refined fragrance and enduring grace—a symbol of quiet southern beauty that shines in every season.
FAQ
Where does the Sweetbay Magnolia grow best?
It thrives in the southeastern U.S., especially in moist, acidic soils. It performs beautifully in wetlands, rain gardens, and lightly shaded landscapes.
Is Sweetbay Magnolia evergreen?
In southern climates, it stays evergreen throughout the year. In cooler regions, it may drop some leaves in winter but remains lush and full in spring.
Does Sweetbay Magnolia attract pollinators?
Yes. Its lemon-scented blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout its long flowering season.
Related Seeds
- Lily Magnolia Tree Seeds — Compact magnolia with bold pink blooms
- Eastern Redbud Tree Seeds — Heart-shaped leaves and spring color
- American Beautyberry Seeds — Brilliant purple berries for wildlife and gardens
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each order is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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