Southern Magnolia
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate (1-2 ft/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
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About Southern Magnolia
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is the iconic large evergreen tree of the Deep South, native to Georgia and much of the Southeastern Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont, growing eventually to 60-80 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide with massive, glossy dark-green leaves and enormous, intensely fragrant creamy-white flowers up to a foot across from late spring through summer. It is a true specimen tree requiring significant room to reach its full grandeur, and its dense, low-branching habit means it also functions as a substantial privacy and wind screen once mature, though the smaller Little Gem or Bracken's Brown Beauty cultivars fit residential lots far better. As a Georgia native, it is naturally adapted to our clay soils and climate and, once established, becomes quite drought tolerant. Its large leaves drop continuously in a light, year-round litter (not a single fall event), which some homeowners find messy near patios or pools, so siting away from those areas is worth considering. It remains one of the most beloved and recognizable trees in the Southern landscape.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 60-80 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 30-50 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate until established, then drought tolerant |
| Bloom Season | Late Spring through Summer |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (1-2 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Yes |
| Native to Georgia | Yes |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Southern Magnolia with significant clearance, at least 20-30 feet from structures, given its eventual 60-80 foot height and wide, low-branching canopy. It tolerates Georgia clay well once established; water deeply and regularly for the first two to three years. Mulch widely rather than deeply near the trunk, since surface roots are common. Avoid siting directly next to patios or pools due to continuous leaf drop.
Fast Facts
- Georgia native, iconic large evergreen tree of the South
- Mature size: 60-80 ft tall, 30-50 ft wide — needs a large property
- Enormous fragrant white flowers, late spring through summer
- Moderate growth: 1-2 ft per year
- Deer resistant, drought tolerant once established
- Continuous light leaf drop year-round, not just fall
Pairs Well With
Southern Magnolia FAQs
How big does a Southern Magnolia get?
Southern Magnolia grows into a massive tree, typically 60-80 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide at full maturity, though it takes many decades to reach that size. Because of this eventual scale, it needs to be planted well away from the house, driveways, and other structures.
Does Southern Magnolia drop leaves in fall?
Southern Magnolia is evergreen and drops its large, leathery leaves gradually and continuously throughout the year rather than in one concentrated fall event. This ongoing light litter is worth considering when siting the tree away from pools, patios, or manicured lawn areas.