Overview
Magnolia 'Susan' is a spreading branched deciduous tree in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Magnolia 'Susan' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental tree and specimen planting.
About
A deciduous magnolia cultivar with large, creamy white flowers that have a hint of pink on the outer petals, blooming in late spring.
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
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- sheltered
- Exposure
- sheltered from strong winds
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Magnolia 'Susan' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous tree
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- ornamental tree, specimen planting
- Fragrance
- lightly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia 'Susan'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered position with moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture; protect from late frosts.
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required; prune after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- propagated by semi-ripe cuttings or grafting
- 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 'Susan'?
Prefers sheltered position with moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture; protect from late frosts.
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia 'Susan'?
Magnolia 'Susan' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered from strong winds positions.
What soil does Magnolia 'Susan' need?
Magnolia 'Susan' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Magnolia 'Susan'?
Minimal pruning required; prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Magnolia 'Susan' hardy in the UK?
Magnolia 'Susan' 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 'Susan'?
Propagated by semi-ripe cuttings or grafting.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)
- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'Campbell's Magnolia
- Magnolia macrophylla 'Sara Gladney'Bigleaf Magnolia
