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Saucer Magnolia

Magnolia × soulangeana

Ornamental treeDeciduousFrost Hardy

The saucer magnolia is a hybrid of Magnolia denudata and M. liliiflora, raised near Paris around 1826, forming a spreading small tree or large shrub. Its large goblet-shaped white to pink-purple flowers open in spring before or with the leaves.

Overview

Height4–8 m
Crown diameter4–8 m
Root systemShallow-rooted
ShadeMedium shade
SunFull Sun
WaterMedium
HardinessUSDA zones 5–9

Seasons

Flowering (Central Europe)Apr, May

Planting time for bare-root trees. Container trees can be planted whenever the soil is workable.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

None

Bad Companions

None

Only relations with a documented cause are listed.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun to partial shade in a sheltered position protected from cold winds; avoid frost pockets and warm south walls that push buds open too early, as late frosts damage flowers.
SoilFertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; yellowing leaves indicate too alkaline soil.
WateringWater regularly for the first few years and later during dry spells; it does not tolerate drying out.
FertilizingFeed young plants with a general fertiliser in late winter for the first few years; established trees rarely need feeding. Mulch with organic matter, keeping 10 cm clear of the stem.

Care Tip: Keep digging and underplanting away from the shallow, fleshy roots; prune only between mid-summer and early autumn to avoid sap bleeding.

Sources