By Andrew Bunting, PHS VP of Horticulture 

Evergreen magnolias are some of the most iconic trees in the Southern United States, prized for their year-round foliage, fragrant blooms, and graceful structure. From the towering Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora to the more modest sweetbay magnolia, Magnolia virginiana var. australis, these native trees are versatile additions to landscapes both large and small. 

Are Magnolias Evergreen? 

While most of the magnolias we cultivate in gardens are deciduous, some U.S. native species are evergreen. Of the seven magnolia species native to the United States, two are evergreen: Magnolia grandiflora and Magnolia virginiana. These species are prized for their year-round foliage and are commonly found in landscapes across the Southeastern U.S. and beyond. 

Magnolias, native to several regions in the world, including much of the United States and parts of East Asia, are typically deciduous, shedding their leaves in the fall. However, in more subtropical areas like Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and southeastern Asia, evergreen magnolias are more common. In these regions, the trees retain their foliage through the seasons, providing continuous structure and beauty in the landscape. 

If you're looking for a magnolia that will maintain its lush evergreen leaves  year-round, species like Southern magnolia and sweetbay magnolia and their evergreen cultivars are excellent choices. 

Types of Magnolia Trees

Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora 

From Washington, D.C., down into northern Florida and west into Texas, there is perhaps no more iconic Southern tree than the aptly named Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora. The Southern magnolia can reach nearly one hundred feet in height. In the mid-Atlantic area, however, mature specimens are usually 50-60 feet tall.  

This upright tree is grown for its broad evergreen leaves with a shiny surface. Several cultivars have a very attractive coppery fuzz (indumentum) on the underside of the leaf.  Selections such as ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ and ‘D. D. Blanchard’ have been specifically selected for their broad shiny leaves and rich brown indumentum.  

In the summer, Southern magnolias have very large, creamy white flowers that are borne sporadically throughout the summer, with a beautiful, lemony fragrance. In the fall, the large fruit clusters, known as follicles, can turn a rich, vibrant rose-pink, which is a significant added ornamental component. 

Popular Southern Magnolia Cultivars 

Over 20 cultivars are commonly available at nurseries and garden centers. Here are a few favorites: 

• ‘Kay Parris’ – A compact to medium-sized tree, ideal for urban gardens. 
• ‘Little Gem’ – A dwarf variety perfect for tight spaces. 
• ‘Alta’ – Tall and narrow, great for hedges or screening. 
• ‘Hasse’ – Upright grower, thriving even in tight spaces like the Lang Garden of Fragrance at Swarthmore College. 
• ‘Victoria’ – A cold-hardy cultivar with a broad, spreading form. 

Sweetbay magnolia, Magnolia virginiana var. australis 

Not all magnolias prefer dry conditions. The sweetbay magnolia, Magnolia virginiana var. australis, naturally occurs in wet coastal areas from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Louisiana. 

This tree can be grown as a single-trunked specimen or in a multi-stemmed clump. At maturity, it typically reaches 30–40 feet. Its dark green, oval leaves have silvery undersides that shimmer in the breeze, and its star-like flowers, which emerge in mid-spring, emit a strong lemony fragrance and may continue blooming sporadically into late summer. 

Notable Sweetbay Magnolia Cultivars 

• ‘Santa Rosa’ – Broad, shiny leaves; featured in the Scott Arboretum’s Fragrance Garden. 
• ‘Satellite’ – Compact, growing to about 20 feet and reliably evergreen. 
• ‘Henry Hicks’ – Named by Dr. John Wister for his colleague; known for evergreen reliability. 
• ‘Green Shadow’ – Promoted for hedging by the University of Arkansas. 
• ‘Ned’s Northern Belle’ – Among the hardiest evergreen sweetbay varieties. 
• ‘Mattie Mae Smith’ – Unique butter-yellow and green variegated foliage. 
• Sweet Thing® – A newer shrub-like cultivar reaching just 8 feet tall, ideal as an alternative to broadleaf evergreen shrubs like rhododendrons and cherry laurels. 

New and Emerging Evergreen Magnolia Varieties 

On the horizon there are some new varieties that are likely to gain in popularity, including: 

• Magnolia yuyuanensis – Compact tree with white flowers and purple stamens; hardy in USDA Zone 7. 
• Magnolia insignis – Produces pink to red flowers; hardy in USDA Zone 7. 
• ‘Stellar Ruby’ – A new evergreen magnolia with rich red-purple blooms. 

Design Ideas: How to Use Evergreen Magnolias in the Landscape 

Evergreen magnolias, especially Magnolia grandiflora, are remarkably versatile and adaptable trees that bring year-round structure and elegance to the garden. They thrive in full sun and perform well even in urban conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of landscapes from formal southern-style gardens to more naturalistic settings.  

These trees can be used as striking specimen plantings, privacy screens, or even trained as espaliers against walls. At PHS Meadowbrook Farm, mature Southern Magnolias frame a historic house, while an espaliered specimen adds architectural interest to a courtyard. At Stoneleigh Garden in Villanova, PA, the compact cultivar Teddy Bear®, with its dense pyramidal shape and modest height, offers an excellent option for smaller spaces or hedging.  

Globally, Magnolia grandiflora is prized for its adaptability, thriving in climates as varied as California, Italy’s Lake Como, China, South Africa, and even high elevations near Bogotá, Colombia. For layered texture and seasonal interest, consider underplanting with shade-tolerant perennials like ferns or hellebores that can tolerate dry shade beneath the canopy. 

Landscape Benefits and Wildlife Support 

Evergreen magnolias make excellent privacy screens, hedges, or specimen trees. They offer four-season interest and play an important role in native ecosystems. Both Magnolia grandiflora and Magnolia virginiana var. australis are native to the eastern U.S., providing shelter and food for native songbirds and pollinators. Their fleshy seeds are particularly beneficial, serving as a food source for birds. 

As climate conditions continue to shift, these resilient trees remain a smart, sustainable choice for gardeners seeking long-term beauty and ecological value.