Magnolia × soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia)

One of the most popular deciduous Magnolias, Magnolia x soulangeana, or Saucer Magnolia, is a spreading tree or large shrub festooned with an incredible profusion of fragrant flowers in early to mid-spring. Goblet-shaped, the large white flowers, up to 10 in. across (25 cm), shaded with pink and purple, gracefully open their 9 large tepals as they mature, revealing white interiors. This creates a bicolor effect which further adds to the beauty of the floral display. The blooms appear on naked branches before the obovate mid-green leaves unfurl. The foliage turns golden brown in fall before shedding to the ground and outlining the smooth silvery bark. Growing with an upright habit when young, it becomes more rounded and broad, spreading with age, and is often grown as a multi-trunked shrub.

Magnolia belongs to the Magnoliaceae family, which includes several popular species such as the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata), Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana), and Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).

Magnolia x soulangeana is a hybrid Magnolia resulting from a cross between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora. It creates a very impressive scene in the garden and makes a wonderful specimen flowering shrub or small tree for the landscape. This is an excellent selection as a container plant and espalier. While very hardy, its blooms, like those of most early blooming Magnolias, are susceptible to late frosts.

• Grows up to 20-25 ft. tall and wide (6-8 m)
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Magnolias are adaptable to clay, loam or sandy soils, but most grow poorly in wet or poorly drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds, as cold winds may damage buds and flowers. Late frosts may damage flower buds too.
• May be attacked by capsid bugs, snails, horse chestnut scales, coral spots, gray mold, and honey fungus.
• Spectacular as a specimen plant for dramatic early spring blooms. Great flowering tree for city gardens or cottage gardens.
• Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
• Deciduous Magnolias are best planted when dormant, in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring. For the first 6 to 12 months after planting, both types will benefit from mulch and regular irrigation during warm or dry weather.
• Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to fall