Southern Sweetbay
Magnolia virginiana var. australis
Pickup available at Aiken Nursery
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Magnolia virginiana, the Sweetbay Magnolia, has long been a tree of distinction in the American landscape. Its range stretches from the cool wetlands of Massachusetts down to the Gulf Coast, but within that span, it wears two very different guises. In the northern states it takes the form of a smaller, often shrubby tree that sheds its leaves in winter. But in the Deep South, the species reveals its fullest expression: Magnolia virginiana var. australis, the evergreen Sweetbay, a large and enduring tree of great grace.
This southern form, native to the coastal plain from the Carolinas through Florida and west to Texas, is one of the most ornamental native magnolias available to gardeners. Its foliage—lustrous and evergreen in mild climates—gives it a presence unmatched by its northern kin. In summer, the tree bears fragrant, creamy-white flowers that open in succession, each one carrying a lemony perfume once praised by William Bartram and countless others who wandered the southern woods. These blooms, often compared to those of the larger Southern Magnolia, arrive with a kind of understated elegance—never gaudy, always refined.
Ecologically, the evergreen Sweetbay is a tree of wetlands and bottomlands, often found along streams, swamps, and coastal hammocks. Yet in gardens, it proves adaptable, flourishing wherever the soil is moist, acidic, and well-drained. Its tolerance for periodic flooding, coupled with its evergreen beauty, makes it invaluable in landscapes seeking both native resilience and year-round greenery.
Unlike the shrubby northern variety, var. australis can rise to true tree stature, sometimes exceeding 60 feet, with a straight trunk and airy crown. It lends itself well to use as a shade tree, specimen planting, or native alternative to exotic evergreens, particularly in southern landscapes where gardeners seek plants with cultural and ecological integrity.
For those who plant it, Magnolia virginiana var. australis offers not only fragrance and beauty but also a tie to the Deep South’s natural heritage—a tree that has stood along swamps, river margins, and old homesteads for centuries, and which continues to mark the seasons with quiet constancy.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 6–9
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Soil
- Moist, Acid, Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 20–50 Feet · Spread 20–30 feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate to Fast
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
White, fragrant, May-June
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.