Overview
Magnolia soulangeana is a bushy, spreading branched, columnar upright tree in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Magnolia soulangeana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and wall side borders. It is native to China South-Central.
About
Magnolia × soulangeana, the saucer magnolia or sometimes the tulip tree, is a hybrid flowering plant in the genus Magnolia and family Magnoliaceae. It is a deciduous tree with large, early-blooming flowers in various shades of white, pink, and purple.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Magnolia × soulangeana
About the genus
Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 to 340 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the family Magnoliaceae. The natural range of Magnolia species is disjunct, with a main center in east, south and southeast Asia and a secondary center in South America, Central America, the West Indies, and some species in eastern North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Magnolia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Magnolia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Magnolia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Magnolia soulangeana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wall side borders
- Native to
- China South-Central
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia soulangeana
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; plant in full sun to partial shade; protect from strong winds; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
- Pruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove dead or damaged wood; avoid heavy pruning as it flowers on old wood.
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Horse chestnut scale, Capsid bug
- Disease resistance
- Coral spot, Phytophthora, Grey moulds, Honey fungus, Virus, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Magnolia soulangeana?
Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; plant in full sun to partial shade; protect from strong winds; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia soulangeana?
Magnolia soulangeana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia soulangeana need?
Magnolia soulangeana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Magnolia soulangeana?
Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove dead or damaged wood; avoid heavy pruning as it flowers on old wood.
Is Magnolia soulangeana hardy in the UK?
Magnolia soulangeana has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Magnolia soulangeana?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)
- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'Campbell's Magnolia
- Magnolia macrophylla 'Sara Gladney'Bigleaf Magnolia
