Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Moderate water needs. Water 2x per week during establishment (18-24 months). After establishment, 1x per week in dry season or rely on rainfall. Sensitive to overwatering in poorly drained soils — root rot risk. Prefers acidic, well-drained soils — performance declines in alkaline limestone fill.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Acid-forming slow-release tree fertilizer or azalea formula. Chelated iron in alkaline soil areas.
Schedule: February. Acid-forming slow-release tree fertilizer in limestone or alkaline soils.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 40–80 ft
- Mature Width
- 20–40 ft
- Growth Rate
- moderate
- Water Demand
- 4/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$$
- USDA Zones
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 4/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Southern Magnolia at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Southern Magnolia grow in South Florida?
Southern Magnolia has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Southern Magnolia safe for pets?
Yes, Southern Magnolia is considered pet-safe. Generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats in typical landscape exposure.
How much water does Southern Magnolia need in South Florida?
Moderate water needs (4/10). Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Can Southern Magnolia tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Southern Magnolia has low salt tolerance (3/10) and is not recommended near areas with significant salt air exposure.
Is Southern Magnolia available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Southern Magnolia is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. Native to SE US but south Florida range is marginal — Miami-Dade's limestone soils and Zone 10b heat can cause iron chlorosis and stress.
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Good performer in Broward's slightly more acidic soils.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed and commonly specified. Best South Florida performance in Palm Beach County — Wellington, Boca Raton, Delray Beach.
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Good for Naples and inland Collier County locations.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Not recommended for Monroe County — Zone 11 tropical conditions exceed this tree's heat tolerance range, and it does not perform well in Keys conditions..
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
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Ask about Southern Magnolia
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.