Green Mile Sweetbay Magnolia

Green Mile Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana 'Green Mile')

Green Mile Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana 'Green Mile') is a refined, evergreen selection of the native Sweetbay Magnolia, valued for its upright growth habit, year-round foliage, and creamy white, lemon-scented blooms. This cultivar is a standout choice for landscapes that demand both structure and elegance, offering a tall, narrow silhouette ideal for screening or vertical accents. Native adaptability, evergreen presence, and strong fragrance make it a versatile and attractive addition to both residential and commercial plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Green Mile' is a columnar-growing Sweetbay Magnolia that maintains a tight, upright form�often reaching 20 to 30 feet in height while staying under 10 feet wide. Its lustrous, dark green leaves have silvery undersides that shimmer in the breeze, and its creamy white, cup-shaped flowers bloom from late spring into summer, releasing a pleasant citrusy fragrance. Unlike many Sweetbay cultivars, 'Green Mile' is evergreen in warmer climates, providing structure and interest year-round.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils; tolerates wet sites
• Water: Moderate to high; performs well in consistently moist soils
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Upright form and fragrant flowers make a dramatic garden statement
• Screening: Narrow habit is excellent for privacy screens in tight spaces
• Native Landscapes: A sophisticated native alternative to traditional evergreens
• Foundation Planting: Adds vertical interest near homes or structures
• Wetland Edges: Thrives in moist, low-lying areas where drainage may be a concern

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Requires regular moisture, especially during dry spells
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; shape in winter if necessary
• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release acidic fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Maintain a mulch ring to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Evergreen Behavior: Retains foliage in mild climates; may be semi-evergreen in colder zones

Why Choose Green Mile Sweetbay Magnolia?

• Elegant Vertical Form: Tall and narrow habit suits modern and traditional designs
• Fragrant Blooms: Creamy white flowers provide a long-lasting citrus aroma
• Year-Round Appeal: Evergreen in warmer regions with striking leaf contrast
• Native Durability: Adaptable to wet soils and regional climates
• Focal Point: Combines structure, fragrance, and native beauty in one plant

Magnolia virginiana 'Green Mile' delivers architectural form and sensory appeal with its fragrant flowers and evergreen foliage. Its upright, space-saving habit and native resilience make it an ideal solution for gardeners looking to introduce elegance and structure into a wide range of landscape settings.