The Subtropical Sweetbay Magnolia

Sweetbay magnolia adds a subtropical touch to any northern Ohio landscape. Blooming for up to six weeks in early summer, this elegant tree makes a great statement near a patio, porch, or outdoor pool. Here's a wetland planting at the Holden Arboretum, along with some photos at other times of the year.

[@justhereforthefoliage]

Nice share!
While I love many Magnolia’s, I have to say that Sweetbay is one of my LEAST favorite. They just look so ratty most of the time and half the year they look dead altogether. I think it’s just that they hold so few of leaves and everything is so spread out, they just don’t look dense and lush like most others do. Just my take on them!
Nice job, keep it going!

[@subtropicalohioplants267]

Interesting! I get what you mean by the tree having a sparse crown, branches, and leaves. With that said, I have seen some well-pruned sweetbay, which creates denser branches and foliage. I saw several of these trees (all meticulously trimmed) growing at a mansion, with a few on either side of the entrance, and a few more growing near the outdoor pool and backyard patio. I mostly like them for blooming after the last frost, being relatively native (further south), and their resemblance (in my opinion) to a bay or laurel tree when meticulously pruned.

[@justhereforthefoliage]

@@subtropicalohioplants267 Gotcha, that makes total sense! Nice!