5 Seeds Southern Magnolia Grandiflora Cold Hardy Evergreen Tree

Southern Magnolia grandiflora is a classic evergreen tree prized for its large, glossy deep green leaves and enormous, creamy white, lemon-scented blossoms that appear through late spring and summer. This cold hardy form offers the same bold, stately presence with improved tolerance for cooler winter climates, making it a striking focal point in lawns, borders, and larger landscapes. Its dense, leathery foliage provides year-round structure and a rich, polished texture that anchors the garden in every season.

Grown as an ornamental shade and specimen tree, Southern Magnolia develops a broad, pyramidal to rounded canopy over time and can be kept compact with pruning or allowed to reach its full majestic height. The blooms are excellent for cutting, and the glossy leaves are popular in floral arrangements. It performs best in a sunny to lightly shaded position with consistent moisture during establishment, tolerating a range of well-drained soils once settled.

Species: Magnolia grandiflora
Variety: Cold Hardy Form
Type: Evergreen flowering tree
Plant_Habit: Broad pyramidal to rounded canopy
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, rich, slightly acidic to neutral
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 6 to 10
Germination: Cold stratification recommended; sow in moist medium and keep at 65-75F
Sowing: Surface sow and lightly cover; keep consistently moist
Spacing: 15 to 30 feet apart for trees
Notes: Slow to moderate grower; protect young seedlings from extreme cold