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Magnolia maudiae var. platypetala platypetala
Broad-petaled Maud's Magnolia
SE China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi; evergreen broadleaf forests; 1500-5000 ft / 450-1500 m)
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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Magnolia maudiae var. platypetala is a medium, evergreen tree reaching 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) tall in cultivation with a spread of 10–18 feet (3–5.5 m) and a broadly pyramidal to oval crown. This variety differs from typical M. maudiae in having broader, more rounded tepals that open more widely, giving a flatter, saucer-like flower form rather than a narrow cup. The flowers are 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across with 9 broad, thick, creamy-white tepals, appearing from leaf axils from February through April. The fragrance is sweet and jasmine-like, especially strong in evening and early morning. The alternate, elliptic to lanceolate leaves are 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) long, glossy dark green above with a glaucous underside. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 8. Like the species, this variety was formerly classified in the genus Michelia.
Native Range
Magnolia maudiae var. platypetala is native to southeastern China—Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, and Jiangxi provinces—in evergreen broadleaf forests at 1,500–5,000 feet (450–1,500 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen or courtyard tree at 12–15 foot (3.6–4.5 m) spacing. The broader saucer-shaped flowers distinguish this variety from typical M. maudiae. The jasmine-like evening fragrance is a primary feature—position near seating areas, paths, or windows. Restricted to mild climates (zone 8+) or sheltered microclimates. Not suitable for cold climates, exposed windy sites, dry soils, or alkaline conditions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread10' - 18'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Creamy-white flowers 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across with 9 broad tepals opening into a flat saucer form, borne from leaf axils February–April. Sweet jasmine-like fragrance, strongest in evening and early morning. Bloom duration is 6–8 weeks. Individual flowers last 3–5 days.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Creamy-white; saucer-shaped 4-6 inches; 9 broad tepals opening flat; axillary; sweet jasmine-like fragrance strongest eveningFoliage Description
Glossy dark green above, glaucous underside; alternate elliptic to lanceolate 3-6 inchesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade to full sun in moist, rich, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Hardy to zone 8. Requires a sheltered position protected from cold, drying winds. Tolerates more shade than deciduous magnolias. Mulch the root zone to maintain cool, moist conditions. Transplant container-grown in spring. Moderate growth rate. No significant pest or disease problems.Pruning
Minimal pruning required. The naturally pyramidal to oval form develops well without intervention. Remove dead or damaged branches after flowering. Avoid heavy pruning.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 20 gallons