Magnolia soulangeana, saucer magnolia
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Magnolia soulangeana

saucer magnolia

Magnoliaceae

Hybrid of garden origin (France, 1820)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height20-30 feet (6-9 m)
Width20-25 feet (6-7.6 m)
Maturity15 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Magnolia x soulangeana is a deciduous small tree or large multi-stemmed shrub reaching 20-30 feet (6-9 m) tall with a spread of 20-25 feet (6-7.6 m), developing a rounded to broadly spreading crown. This hybrid, first raised by Étienne Soulange-Bodin in 1820 from a cross between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora, is one of the most widely planted flowering trees in temperate regions. Leaves are alternate, simple, obovate, 3-7 inches (8-18 cm) long, medium to dark green with a slightly glossy upper surface. Foliage develops after flowers and provides dense summer shade; fall color is undistinguished, typically brownish-yellow. Flowers are large, goblet- to cup-shaped, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) across, with 6-9 tepals ranging from white to deep pink-purple depending on cultivar, appearing on bare branches in March to April before leaves emerge. Flowers are lightly fragrant. Flower buds, formed the previous summer, are covered in soft gray-brown pubescence and are conspicuous on bare winter branches. Late spring frosts frequently damage open flowers and emerging buds, resulting in browned, disfigured blooms; this is the primary limitation in regions with unpredictable spring weather. Aggregate fruit, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, ripens in September, splitting to reveal red-orange seeds. Growth rate is moderate at 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) per year. Bark is smooth, light gray, and thin, susceptible to mechanical damage. Fleshy roots are shallow and sensitive to soil disturbance.

Native Range

Magnolia x soulangeana is a hybrid of garden origin, first created in France in 1820. The parent species are Magnolia denudata, native to eastern and central China, and Magnolia liliiflora, native to southwestern China. The hybrid does not occur naturally in the wild.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a specimen tree in lawns, courtyards, and foundation plantings where the spring flower display is prominent. Spacing of 15-20 feet (4.6-6 m) from structures and other trees. Avoid planting near sidewalks or patios where fallen flower petals create slippery surfaces. The shallow root system limits underplanting; use shallow-rooted groundcovers that tolerate root competition.

How to Identify

Identified by large, goblet-shaped flowers 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) across on bare branches in early spring, with tepals ranging from white to pink-purple depending on cultivar. Flower buds are large and covered in gray-brown pubescence, conspicuous in winter. Leaves are obovate, 3-7 inches (8-18 cm) long. Distinguished from Magnolia denudata by pink to purple coloring on the outer tepals, and from Magnolia liliiflora by larger flowers with a more open, goblet form.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread20' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
pink
purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Flowers appear in March to April on bare branches before leaves emerge, lasting 2-3 weeks under favorable conditions. Late spring frosts frequently damage open flowers and buds, resulting in browned blooms. In the Pacific Northwest, bloom typically occurs in mid- to late March. Some cultivars produce sporadic secondary flowers in summer. Flower bud formation occurs during the previous growing season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pink-purple, varying by cultivar

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green, slightly glossy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-10 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 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish the shallow, fleshy root system. Established trees benefit from supplemental water during dry periods exceeding 2-3 weeks. Plant in full sun to part shade with at least 4-6 hours of direct light for best flowering. Site selection is critical: avoid south-facing exposures that promote early bud break followed by frost damage; north- or east-facing sites delay bloom slightly and reduce frost injury risk. Mulch the root zone with 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) of organic material; avoid cultivating or digging within the dripline. Tolerates a range of soil types but performs best in moist, slightly acidic soils. Scale insects and magnolia borer may occur occasionally. Leaf spot and bacterial blight can develop in wet seasons.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering in late spring (April through May), as flower buds for the following year form during summer. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning; magnolias have slow wound closure and are susceptible to decay at large pruning cuts. Shape young trees to establish desired form (single trunk or multi-stemmed) in the first 3-5 years. Do not prune in fall or winter.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic