Name/Title
Southern Magnolia LeafEntry/Object ID
GCA23_HORT_0018Description
This Southern Magnolia leaf has been preserved to show off its beautiful features. The top side is shiny and dark, while the underside is thick and soft with a rusty-brown color. When the leaf was pressed, its sturdy texture was carefully flattened while remaining well preserved. It is attached to a special sheet of paper with safe glue and kept in a protective holder to ensure it stays in great condition.Plant Type
TreeBotanical Name
Family
Magnolia (Family Magnoliaceae)Genus
MagnoliaSpecies
Magnolia grandifloraCommon Name
Southern MagnoliaOther Name
Bull Bay, Laurel MagnoliaGrowing Conditions
Water Needs
Moderate; drought-tolerant once fully established.Growth Rate
Medium to SlowLight/Sun Exposure
Full Sun to Part ShadeSoil Type
Rich, well-draining, loamy or clay soils.Soil pH
Acidic to Neutral (5.0–6.5)Climate Zone
USDA Zones 6–10Leaf/Foliage
Leaf/Foliage Color
Deep glossy dark green on top; rusty-brown (indumentum) underneath.Notes
Alternate, simple, leathery leaves with smooth edges; persistent year-round, shedding heavily in spring.Bloom
Bloom Colors
Creamy WhiteFlowering Season
Late Spring to Early SummerNotes
Large, bowl-shaped, highly fragrant blossoms measuring 8–12 inches across.Maintenance
Pruning
Prune after flowering in late spring/early summer to shape or remove deadwood; minimize severe cuts.Deadheading
Not necessary; spent flowers naturally drop or form ornamental seed cones.Shearing
Not recommended; damages natural tree architecture.Notes
Creates heavy leaf litter that decomposes slowly; shallow root system sensitive to disturbance.Pests/Diseases
Pest/Disease Notes
Susceptible to magnolia scale, powdery mildew, and leaf spot under poor circulation.Treatment Notes
Treat scale with horticultural oil in late winter; improve airflow to manage fungal issues.Propagation
Propagation Type
Semi-hardwood Cuttings, Air Layering, or SeedNotes
Seeds require cold stratification; cuttings benefit from rooting hormone and bottom heat.Acquisition
Acquisition Method
BequestDate
Dec 18, 2025Aquired From
M KhanPlace
* Untyped Place
Glenwood CemeteryNotes
2026.001Create Date
August 20, 2026Update Date
October 14, 2026