Magnolia sargentiana

Sargent's magnolia

SW China (Sichuan; montane forests; 5000-8500 ft / 1500-2600 m; introduced E.H. Wilson 1908; named after C.S. Sargent Arnold Arboretum)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Fragrant (light)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 7–9

Overview

Magnolia sargentiana is a large, deciduous tree reaching 35–60 feet (10.5–18 m) tall in cultivation (to 80 feet / 24 m in habitat) with a spread of 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m) and a broadly spreading, rounded crown. Native to Sichuan, China, this species produces among the largest flowers of any deciduous magnolia: broadly cup-shaped to saucer-shaped, 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) across with 12–16 thick tepals, rose-pink to mauve-pink on the exterior and paler pink to white within. The flowers nod slightly and are held horizontally to pendant on bare branches in March–April. The variety robusta (var. robusta spp.), which is more commonly cultivated, blooms earlier (at 8–15 years from seed versus 20+ years for the type). The alternate, obovate leaves are 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) long, dark green. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 7. The early bloom is highly susceptible to late frost damage.

Native Range

Magnolia sargentiana is native to southwestern China—Sichuan Province—in montane forests at 5,000–8,500 feet (1,500–2,600 m) elevation. It was introduced to Western cultivation by E.H. Wilson in 1908 and named after Charles Sprague Sargent of the Arnold Arboretum.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen in large gardens, parks, and estates at 30–40 foot (9–12 m) spacing. The very large flowers (8–12 inches) on bare branches are among the largest of any deciduous magnolia. The broad spreading crown requires substantial space (35–60 feet tall, 25–40 feet spread). Requires sheltered, frost-free positions for the March–April bloom. The 20+ year wait for flowers from seed (type form) requires long-term planning—var. robusta spp. reduces this. Not suitable for small gardens, frost pockets, exposed sites, or cold continental climates.

How to Identify

Distinguished from M. campbellii by the more horizontally held to slightly nodding (versus upright goblet) flower posture, the mauve-pink to rose-pink (versus deeper rose-pink) color, and the more broadly spreading crown. Distinguished from M. dawsoniana by the larger tree size (35–60 feet versus 25–40 feet), the more numerous tepals (12–16 versus 9–12), and the less pendant flower form. Distinguished from M. sprengeri by the larger flowers, the more spreading crown, and the mauve-pink (versus deeper rose to magenta-pink) color. The large spreading tree with very large horizontally held mauve-pink flowers on bare branches is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height35' - 60'

Width/Spread25' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Broadly cup-shaped to saucer-shaped flowers 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) across with 12–16 thick tepals, rose-pink to mauve-pink exterior and paler pink to white interior, on bare branches in March–April. Flowers nod slightly to horizontally. Bloom duration is 2–3 weeks. Highly susceptible to late frost damage. The type requires 20+ years from seed to first flower; var. robusta spp. blooms at 8–15 years.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rose-pink to mauve-pink exterior, paler pink to white interior; cup to saucer-shaped 8-12 inches; 12-16 thick tepals; horizontally held to nodding; Mar-Apr bare branches

Foliage Description

Dark green; alternate obovate 5-8 inches

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam silt

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20-30 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, rich, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Hardy to zone 7. Requires a sheltered position protected from late frosts and cold winds—the very early bloom is frost-sensitive. The large mature size requires substantial space. Mulch the root zone deeply. Transplant balled-and-burlapped in spring. Moderate growth rate. The extremely long juvenile period from seed (20+ years for the type) is a consideration—var. robusta spp. is faster.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged branches in late spring. The naturally broad, spreading crown develops without intervention. The large mature size requires adequate space at planting rather than management through pruning.

Pruning Schedule

late spring

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

Trees