Magnolia soulangeana, saucer magnolia
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Magnolia soulangeana

saucer magnolia

Magnoliaceae
Hybrid of garden origin — {M. denudata} (China) x {M. liliiflora} (China); first raised by Etienne Soulange-Bodin near Paris, France, c. 1820

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At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height20-30 feet (6-9 m)
Width20-25 feet (6-7.5 m)
Maturity15 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsFragrant (light)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Magnolia x soulangeana is saucer magnolia (Chinese magnolia), a spreading deciduous tree growing 20-30 feet (6-9 m) tall and 20-25 feet (6-7.5 m) wide. Large saucer-shaped flowers 5-10 inches (13-25 cm) with 6-9 thick tepals — white to pink-purple depending on cultivar — on bare branches in March-April. Lightly fragrant. Medium to dark green obovate leaves 3-6 inches (7-15 cm). In Magnoliaceae. Hybrid of M. denudata x M. liliiflora — first raised in France c. 1820. The most widely planted deciduous magnolia. The early spring bloom on bare branches is vulnerable to late frost — a single freezing night can destroy the entire bloom. This frost vulnerability is the primary limitation. Site on the north side of a building to delay bloom 1-2 weeks in frost-prone areas. Fleshy roots — does not tolerate root disturbance or compaction. Not drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Hybrid of garden origin — M. denudata (China) x M. liliiflora (China). First raised by Etienne Soulange-Bodin near Paris, France, c. 1820.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a specimen tree in residential gardens, front yards, and parks spaced 20-25 feet (6-7.5 m). Large early spring flowers on bare branches. Site north of building in frost-prone areas. Fleshy roots — do not compact. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.

How to Identify

Identified by large saucer-shaped flowers 5-10 inches (13-25 cm) with thick tepals (white to pink-purple) on bare branches in early spring. The large saucer-shaped flower on bare branches is diagnostic. Distinguished from M. stellata (star-shaped flowers with strap-like petals) and M. sieboldii (nodding flowers with crimson stamens, blooms later). In Magnoliaceae.

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
Early spring (March-April). Saucer-shaped flowers 5-10 inches (13-25 cm) with 6-9 thick tepals — white to pink-purple. Lightly fragrant. 3 weeks of bloom on bare branches. Vulnerable to late frost. Beetle-pollinated.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pink-purple (cultivar-dependent), saucer-shaped, 5-10 inches (13-25 cm) across, with 6-9 thick tepals; on bare branches before leaves emerge

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green, slightly glossy, obovate, 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) long; turns yellow in fall — fall color unremarkable

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial 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
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade (4-10 hours). Well-drained acidic to neutral soil pH 5.0-7.0. Fleshy roots — do not compact or disturb. Not drought-tolerant. Late frost damages early bloom — site north of building to delay bloom in frost-prone areas. Prune lightly after flowering. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering (April-May) if shaping is needed. The low-branching spreading form is natural. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches. Magnolia species heal slowly from pruning wounds — make clean cuts and prune minimally.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic