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Magnolia x soulangiana

Image of Magnolia x soulangiana

Felder Rushing

Family

Magnoliaceae

Botanical Name

Magnolia x soulangiana

Plant Common Name

Saucer Magnolia

General Description

This large, broad spreading, multistemmed magnolia develops a lovely open habit when mature. It is the most popular landscape magnolia because its large flowers are so colorful and numerous. The parent species of this naturally occurring hybrid are the lily magnolia (Magnolia liliflora), and Yulan magnolia (Magnolia denudata).

Saucer magnolia is best known for its voluptuous, saucer-shaped flowers that appear in early spring before its large, oval, gray-green leaves emerge. The flowers are quick to emerge when weather becomes favorable, so specimens planted in its northernmost hardiness zones are prone to frost damage. Even when not in bloom, saucer magnolia has a sculptural habit, smooth gray bark and pretty foliage.

This easy-to-grow magnolia grows best in full to partial sun and fertile, acid to neutral soil. It has few problems with pests and disease and requires little pruning. It is ideal for large open lawns and foundations that offer enough space for it to spread and develop its best canopy. In areas prone to late frosts, choose late-blooming cultivars such as 'Brozzonii' or 'Lennei'.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    10'-30' / 3.0m - 9.1m

  • Width

    10'-30' / 3.0m - 9.1m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Spreading

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Purple, Pink

  • Fruit Color

    Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No