Eastern North America is home to two brilliant evergreen magnolia species : the Southern magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora ) and the evergreen plant forms of the sweetbay magnolia ( Magnolia virginiana var . australis ) . These trees are not only beautiful additions to any garden or landscape but also provide legion benefits and unique characteristic .

1 . Southern Magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora):The Southern magnolia is perhaps the most well - know evergreen magnolia . It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found from North Carolina down to Florida and as far west as Texas . This iconic tree is highly respect for its orotund , sheeny , leathery leaf that keep their deep dark-green colouring year - round . The leaf supply a stunning backdrop for the large , fragrant , creamy - blank flowers that bloom in late spring and periodically throughout the summertime .

– Personal experience : I have had the pleasure of planting a Southern magnolia in my own garden , and it has become the focal point of the landscape . Its calendered leave add a jot of elegance , and the fragrance of its flowers is simply intoxicate .

2 . Evergreen Forms of Sweetbay Magnolia ( Magnolia virginiana var . australis):The sweetbay magnolia is another evergreen magnolia coinage found in easterly North America . While the specie itself is deciduous , there are evergreen varieties , in particular the var . australis , that retain their leaf throughout the class . These varieties are aboriginal to coastal area from Virginia to Florida and are characterize by their narrower leaves compared to the Southern magnolia . The parting are dark green on the upper surface and silvery - hoar on the underside , creating a beautiful contrast when they grab the sunlight .

– Personal experience : I once gossip a coastal garden in Virginia where evergreen plant sweetbay magnolias were institute near a pool . The shimmer silver undersides of the leaves shine on the H2O ’s surface , create a hypnotic scene that truly showcased the knockout of these evergreen magnolias .

Benefits and Considerations:1 . Year - round beauty : The evergreen nature of these magnolias ensures that they provide visual interest and social organisation to the garden throughout the yr . Even in winter , when many other trees have disgorge their leaves , these magnolias stand up tall and green .

2 . Fragrant flowers : Both the Southern magnolia and evergreen sweetbay magnolia produce wonderfully scented flush . The fragrancy is often described as lemony or citrus - similar and can fill up the surrounding country with a delicious aroma .

3 . Wildlife attractor : The flowers of these magnolias attract pollinator , such as bees and butterfly , while the trees themselves offer shelter and nesting sites for razzing . They give to biodiversity in the garden and back up local ecosystems .

4 . Tolerant of various ground types : Both magnolia metal money are comparatively adaptable when it comes to dirt types . They can mature in moist , well - drain soils but can also handle Lucius DuBignon Clay and sandy soil , make them suitable for a range of garden condition .

5 . Size considerations : It ’s important to note that both magnolia species can grow quite large , with the Southern magnolia reaching tiptop of 60 - 80 feet and the evergreen sweetbay magnolia averaging around 30 - 60 feet . Therefore , it ’s essential to consider the available blank space before plant these trees .

The Southern magnolia and evergreen forms of sweetbay magnolia are two exquisite evergreen plant magnolia species aboriginal to easterly North America . Their year - circle beauty , fragrant blossom , and wildlife - draw quality make them highly desirable plus to any garden or landscape painting . Whether you choose the iconic southerly magnolia or opt for the narrower - leaved evergreen sweetbay magnolia , these trees are sure to institute a hint of elegance and good luck charm to your outdoor space .

Caroline Bates