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Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia

Dense glossy evergreen foliage and large fragrant flowers provide refined year-round structure and seasonal flowering impact.

Regular price $410.00
Sale price $410.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 40cm/45L
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
40cm/45L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 1.3m – 1.75m$410.00
70LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$1,280.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ PBR

    Magnolia grandiflora 'Sweet Carolina' PBR is a compact evergreen magnolia with a dense, upright habit and glossy dark green leaves backed by a felted copper-brown underside. Large white flowers open through spring and summer and carry a strong lemon fragrance. It holds foliage right down to the ground, so the plant reads as a solid green column all year.

    It grows best in full sun to part shade in deep, well drained soil, putting on roughly 30 to 70 centimetres a year once settled. Light to moderate frost is handled without damage after establishment. It copes with humidity, coastal exposure and urban heat, which suits temperate, subtropical and warm coastal gardens, and it needs very little pruning.

    Use it where an evergreen screen is wanted without the bulk of a standard Southern magnolia: along boundaries, between neighbouring houses, or repeated down a driveway as an avenue. The narrow footprint lets it sit closer to fences and paths than most magnolias, which makes it workable on smaller residential blocks and infill sites.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Sweet Carolina Magnolia

    What is Magnolia grandiflora 'Sweet Carolina'?

    It is a compact, plant breeder rights protected cultivar of the Southern magnolia, selected for tighter branching and a narrower frame than the standard species. The leaves are glossy dark green above with a copper-brown felt beneath, and it holds them all year. Large fragrant white flowers open through spring and summer. It is not an Australian native.

    How big does Sweet Carolina Magnolia grow?

    In an average garden it settles at around 4 to 5 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide, well short of the 10 metres or more a seedling Magnolia grandiflora can reach. It keeps foliage low on the trunk, so the width stays fairly even from the base to the top rather than spreading only at the crown.

    How fast does it grow?

    Around 30 to 70 centimetres a year once established, which is quick for an evergreen magnolia. Growth is fastest in the first few seasons in warm districts with summer water, and slower on cold or dry sites. Regular watering and a spring feed through the establishment years decide whether you sit at the top or the bottom of that range.

    When does it flower?

    Flowering runs through spring and summer, roughly September to February, with the heaviest flush in late spring and early summer. The flowers are large, cupped and white, and they carry a strong lemon fragrance that is noticeable from several metres away. Plants begin flowering younger than seedling Southern magnolias do.

    Is it frost tolerant?

    Yes. Once established it handles light to moderate frost without leaf damage. Young plants in their first winter benefit from shelter and a mulched root zone in frost prone areas, particularly inland where cold air settles. In severe frost pockets expect some tip burn on soft spring growth rather than damage to the main framework.

    Is it suitable for coastal positions?

    Yes, in second line coastal gardens and behind some shelter. The thick leathery leaves tolerate salt laden wind better than most broadleaf evergreens, and the plant copes with humidity along the eastern seaboard. Direct frontal exposure to salt spray on an open beach is too much, so give it a fence, a wall or other planting to sit behind.

    How do I care for Sweet Carolina Magnolia?

    Water deeply twice a week through the first two summers, then taper off. Mulch to keep the surface roots cool, holding the mulch clear of the trunk. Feed with a complete fertiliser in early spring. Pruning is rarely needed because the form is naturally dense, but any shaping is best done straight after flowering. Avoid cultivating around the base.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Upright
    • Dense
    • Compact
    Use
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Avenue Planting
    Mature height
    6m to 10m
    Mature width
    3m to 5m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia is expected to grow 30cm to 70cm per year under suitable conditions.

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, keep the root zone consistently moist with weekly deep watering and additional water during hot dry spells.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for scale or sooty mould in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia in Different Soil

    Magnolia grandiflora performs best in rich, well-drained loam with a slightly acidic pH and consistent moisture. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage and organic matter are managed well.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining but enrich heavily with compost and mulch deeply to hold moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost, and mound slightly to lift the root zone.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent flowering.

    pH: Slightly acidic preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter or pine bark to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Screening or Privacy
    • Avenue Planting

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia works in an:

    • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.

    Is Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 6m to 10m

    Mature Width: 3m to 5m

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia is expected to grow 30cm to 70cm per year under suitable conditions.

    Growth Rate of Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia is expected to grow 30cm to 70cm per year under suitable conditions.

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia

    Is Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia frost tolerant?

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia Flower?

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ produces large creamy-white fragrant flowers from late spring through summer. The blooms contrast beautifully against the glossy evergreen foliage and rich bronze undersides, creating a refined and highly ornamental seasonal display.

    Does Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Summer

    Flower Type:

    • Fragrant

    Flower Colour:

    White

    Is Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia is Native to Derived from Magnolia grandiflora selections originating from the southern United States.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia ?

    Its large fragrant flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators throughout the flowering season, supporting biodiversity within ornamental and screening landscapes. The dense evergreen foliage also provides valuable shelter and habitat for small birds and beneficial insects year-round.

    How much Sunlight does Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia need?

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ performs best in rich, well-drained loam soils with high organic content and an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate lighter soils if improved with compost and organic matter to support moisture retention and fertility. Avoid dry sandy soils or persistently waterlogged conditions, as both extremes can reduce vigour and flowering quality. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment and active growth for best performance and appearance.

    Is Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia Drought Tolerant?

    Is Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ – Sweet Carolina Magnolia Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it benefits from regular watering to establish a healthy root system, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, ‘Sweet Carolina’ shows good drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods, although occasional supplementary watering supports denser foliage growth and stronger flowering performance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Is Sweet Carolina more compact than standard Magnolia grandiflora?
    A: Yes, it is selected for a denser narrower growth habit better suited to residential landscapes.

    Q: Does it produce fragrant flowers?
    A: Yes, the large creamy white flowers are highly fragrant during the flowering season.

    Q: Is it suitable for screening?
    A: Yes, its dense evergreen canopy provides excellent privacy screening and boundary structure.

    Q: Does it tolerate coastal conditions?
    A: Yes, it performs reliably in warm coastal and urban environments once established.

    Compare sizes side by side

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 1.3m – 1.75m

    70L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Magnolia grandiflora ‘Sweet Carolina’ PBR is loved for its Dense glossy evergreen foliage and large fragrant flowers provide refined year-round structure and seasonal flowering impact.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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