You’ll be drawn to the garden on the scent-alone with the Glauca Sweet Bay Magnolia, Magnolia virginiana. In May and June, creamy white flowers about 2-3″ in diameter emit a heady, lemony scent that will perfume the yard when blooming. Large shiny green foliage with a silvery-blue underside forms a stunning semi-evergreen tree. The leathery foliage shimmers as it moves in the breeze. Unlike most Magnolias, Glauca Sweet Bay Magnolia is tolerant of wet and boggy soil, but may also be grown in average conditions as well. Ideal for softening corners, in the center of a rain garden, or as an anchor tree in a garden. Compared to the species, it is a little smaller, only growing 20′ tall and 15′ wide.

Plant Sweet Bay Magnolia in sun to part shade locations. Add compost or other organic matter to the soil when planting. Use a starter fertilizer like Espoma Bio-tone Starter to get your plants off to a quick start. Keep the tree well-watered when establishing it. It benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry spells.