Jim Wilson Moonglow Sweet Bay Magnolia

‘Jim Wilson’ is the patented sweetbay magnolia cultivar sold under the trade name Moonglow. Selected by Earl Cully, it grows as an upright, multi-stem tree with dark green leaves silvered beneath and creamy white, lemon-scented flowers in late spring into early summer. [The cultivar patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP12065P2/en), [the RHS cultivar profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/542583/magnolia-virginiana-var-australis-jim-wilson/details), and J. Frank Schmidt’s [Moonglow profile](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/trees/moonglow-magnolia/) describe the same named selection. ## Landscape Use Use this medium-sized tree on a lawn, beside a patio, or along a street or park path. The patent records a 35-foot height and 18-foot spread at 25 years; leave room for its upright oval-to-vase form. It flowers for about a month in late spring, with timing varying by climate. ## Maintenance Choose full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. The cultivar tolerates a range of soil types when drainage is good and moisture is adequate; spring mulch helps conserve soil moisture. Protect flowers and shoot tips from late frost. If pruning is needed, do it in midsummer while the tree is in full leaf.