pinterest-circle facebook-circle twitter-circle instagram-circle ss-standard-direct-right ss-standard-cart ss-standard-close ss-standard-exit ss-standard-notebook ss-standard-redirect ss-standard-rows ss-standard-search ss-standard-user delivery-truckarrow-right-line
orders cart log in search
Donate

Tree Guide

More in the Tree Guide
print Print

Saucer MagnoliaMagnolia x soulangeana

  • Saucer Magnolia - Magnolia x soulangeana
Small, low-branched tree with large, saucer-shaped flowers. The fragrant, early-spring blossoms are white shaded with light to deep pink or purplish-pink. Big, broad leaves are dark green, and the smooth bark is silvery-gray. Medium- to fast-growing, good pollution tolerance. Likes moist, deep, acid soil and full sun. Grows to 20'–30'tall , 25' spread. (zones 4-9)
price Pricing Information

Hardiness Zones

The saucer magnolia can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–9. View Map

Tree Type

Mature Size

The saucer magnolia grows to a height of 20–30' and a spread of around 25' at maturity.

Growth Speed Medium Growth Rate

This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The saucer magnolia grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It has some drought tolerance.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Produces attractive pink and white flowers, appearing as saucers that are 5–10" in diameter.
  • Blooms late February to April, with some blossoms reappearing throughout the summer months and possibly into winter. Color tends to fade with re-emerging flowers.
  • Can be trained to grow as either a shrub, small tree with multiple stems or single-trunk tree.
  • Features thick and soft leaves 3–6" in length with a smooth margin and pointed tip, dark green on top with a fuzzy underside.
  • Yields elongated fruit that is up to 4" long, seldom produced in significant numbers.
  • Has some pollution tolerance.
  • Grows in a rounded shape.
  • Needs seasonal protection in areas with cold winters for the first couple of years.
  • Has thin bark that is easily damaged by lawnmowers, weed cutters, etc.

Wildlife Value

Wildlife use larger branches of the Saucer Magnolia as nesting sites. Seeds are eaten by a variety of birds, and the sprouts of young trees are browsed.

History/Lore

A hybrid cousin of America's magnificent Southern Magnolia, the Saucer Magnolia is actually a large spreading shrub that take its name from its wide, saucer-like flowers. It was first cultivated in 1826.