Placeholder

Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle'

Also Known As

  • Northern Belle Sweetbay Magnolia

Plant type

tree, shrub, aquatic

size

  • H: 25'
  • W: 15'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle' plant details

Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle' is a broadleaf evergreen aquatic shrub or tree with green foliage. In summer cream and white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle'

Plant type: aquatic shrub or tree
Plant family: magnoliaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 15 FT wide, 25 FT tall
Flowers: cream and white blooms in summer
Uses: fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle' is one of the hardiest cultivars of the species. Also known as sweet bay magnolia, this evergreen is also one of the most tree-like forms with larger fragrant flowers from May to July releasing sweet perfume across the garden. A spectacular specimen tree that suits full sun to partial shade. Grows happily from ordinary garden soils into wet conditions. Drought resistant once established. Very easy care. If you live in a colder part of the country all the way down to zone 4, and have been yearning for a magnolia, this one is your ticket! Could be deciduous in cold winters in colder zones. Tolerant of wet soils. There are some reports that 'Northern Belle' is hardy in zone 3b! For the 2024 Rare Flowering Tree Pre-Order plants will be in 15cm pots and about 6-12 inches tall.
This, hardiest of the much-loved evergreen Sweetbay Magnolia, is a single stem (not shrubby) tree (to 40't x 25') that?s kept its leaves in below 0°F conditions and produces larger, sweet-smelling flowers, as well! S/M
A super hardy selection by Ned Rader that has withstood -35?F though it does drop its leaves at that temperature. The flowers are fragrant and the leaves are darker green than Magnolia virginiana Moonglow?.
Is considered to be the hardiest of the M. virginiana varieties. The most evergreen of them as well, not losing it's foliage until -35°. In case you need more convincing this variety is also the most tree like of the virginianas, as well as having larger, sweet smelling flowers for two months during the early summer. Grows 25' x 15'. She'll be the "Belle" of your garden.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle' plant

How to Grow Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • cream
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved