Tree
Saucer magnolia
Magnolia × soulangeana
A broad deciduous small tree or large shrub with large goblet-shaped flowers opening before the leaves in spring. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and a sheltered site because late frost can damage the flower buds.
- Size
- 4–8 m high · 4–8 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Very hardy
- Seasonal form
- Deciduous
- Maintenance
- Low
Before planting
- Allow roughly 4–8 m for both height and spread; its fleshy roots and broad crown need long-term space.
- Choose moist, well-drained neutral to acidic soil and shelter from strong, cold winds.
- Avoid warm, exposed positions that encourage very early bud break where late frost is common.
Why choose it
- Large white, pink or purple goblet-shaped flowers make a strong spring specimen before the canopy fills out.
- The rounded form works well as a lawn or focal tree where it can mature without heavy pruning.
Care
- Water regularly while establishing and during prolonged dry periods, then mulch the root zone to reduce drying.
- Prune only when necessary, preferably from midsummer to early autumn, and avoid large cuts.
- Keep the root zone undisturbed and do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged.
Good to know
- The plant itself is very hardy, but early flower buds and open blooms can still be damaged by late frost.