Sweetbay Magnolia Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia typically blooms a little later in the spring, which allows us northern dwellers a greater chance of actually seeing a magnolia bloom in our landscape.  Sweetbay has a white, fragrant bloom that is smaller than most magnolia blooms.  But this magnolia can take the cold, the heat, and the wet, heavy and poor quality soils many of us have to offer!  The open growth habit of Sweetbay magnolia also lends interesting form to your landscape. In northern Ohio landscapes, this tree typically grows to about 25 feet. You’ll love the large, clustered, orange fruits and so will the birds – this featured tree has four season interest!