The saucer magnolia in winter G. Lumis	The leaves of a saucer magnolia G. Lumis	A saucer magnolia blossom G. Lumis

Scientific Name: Magnolia x Soulangiana

Summary
Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 25 feet
Spread: 20 feet
Shape: Bushy

Large white and pink, cup-shaped flowers appear in spring before summer foliage. Deep green, summer foliage turns brown in fall.

Plant Needs
Zone: 5 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy or loam
pH Range: 3.5 to 7.0

Functions
Suggested uses for this plant include border, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes
Transplant in the spring, using container-grown plants or those with balled and burlapped roots. Plant in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid southern exposures to reduce change of flowers being killed by spring frosts.

Care
Easy to maintain. If required, prune after spring flowering.

Click here to learn how to improve the soil.

Problems
No serious problems.

Alternatives
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of MAGNOLIA X SOULANGIANA
`Alba Superba' has white flowers that are fragrant. The outside of the petals are tinged with light purple.

`Lombardy Rose' flowers for several weeks. Its petals are a rose color on lower side and white on the upper side.

Comments
The natural habit of this tree tends to be shrubby, with multiple stems and a rounded to spreading shape, but it may be trained to a single trunk.  Begins flowering at an early age and provides a mass of color.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE. 

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