Sweet Thing Magnolia

Sweet Thing Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana var. australis 'Perry Paige')

Sweet Thing Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana var. australis 'Perry Paige') is a compact, evergreen cultivar of the southern Sweetbay Magnolia selected for its tight, upright habit and refined form. Bred for smaller spaces, this dwarf native selection combines creamy white, citrus-scented blooms with glossy foliage and a naturally tidy shape. Ideal for foundation plantings and containers, it delivers seasonal fragrance, evergreen texture, and low-maintenance appeal to a wide range of landscape designs.

Distinctive Features

'Perry Paige' grows slowly into a dense, pyramidal form, typically maturing at just 8 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Its lustrous dark green leaves have silvery undersides, and it blooms in late spring to early summer with creamy white flowers that fill the air with a lemony scent. The evergreen foliage persists year-round in warmer climates, giving it a structural presence even when not in bloom. This selection maintains a neat shape with minimal pruning, making it particularly attractive in urban or formal settings.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained soils; tolerates clay and seasonal wetness
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Compact form and fragrant flowers make it perfect for small gardens
• Foundation Planting: Naturally tidy growth suits placement near homes or buildings
• Container Gardens: Performs well in large containers on patios or terraces
• Native Gardens: Supports pollinators and fits in regional restoration projects
• Evergreen Borders: Provides structure and seasonal interest in mixed plantings

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment
• Pruning: Rarely needed; prune only to shape if desired
• Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring
• Mulching: Mulch annually to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Evergreen Habit: Maintains foliage year-round in Zones 7 and warmer

Why Choose Sweet Thing Magnolia?

• Dwarf Size: Perfect for small landscapes, courtyards, and container plantings
• Fragrant Flowers: Creamy white blooms with a strong lemony scent
• Evergreen Appeal: Retains foliage in warmer zones for year-round structure
• Native Selection: Attracts pollinators and thrives in moist, acidic soils
• Focal Point: Offers a refined look and rich fragrance in a compact footprint

Magnolia virginiana var. australis 'Perry Paige' (Sweet Thing Magnolia) brings the charm and fragrance of the southern Sweetbay to smaller landscapes. With its tidy form, evergreen foliage, and seasonal blooms, it's a smart and stylish focal point for gardens seeking native beauty and year-round appeal.