|
Magnolia virginiana 'Sweetbay' also
called Laurel or Swamp Magnolia is a small, multi-stemmed, deciduous
shrub of loose, open upright habit in the North and deciduous,
semi-evergreen forming a large pyramidal tree in the South. It is a
graceful tree known for the sweet fragrance of its flowers. In the
landscape the Sweetbay Magnolia is excellent as a specimen tree or large
shrub or as a patio plant.
The foliage is bright green on the upper surface of the leaves with the
undersides a white to silvery color that looks frosted. The autumn
foliage is a mix of yellow, brown and green. The creamy white,
lemon-scented flowers bloom late May to June and will continue to bloom
sporadically during the summer. The 2 inch long aggregate fruit which
ripens typically in August changes from green to red as it matures. The
fruit is very handsome where the bright red seeds are exposed.
The Sweetbay Magnolia is different than most magnolias in that it does
well in wet even swampy soils. It prefers full sun but will tolerate
partial shade. It is best to avoid sites that are cold and windswept in
winter. In the North, it will grow 10-20 feet in height and 40-60 feet
high in the South.
|
