Magnolia × soulangeana
saucer magnolia
M. x soulangeana is a spreading deciduous tree or large shrub to 6m tall, with obovate leaves to 20cm long, and white, pink or purple, goblet-shaped flowers up to 25cm across in spring
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Magnolia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with large, showy, often fragrant flowers, often opening before the leaves, and sometimes followed by colourful cone-like fruit
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. Further magnolia cultivation advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
Pests
May be damaged by scale insects, capsid bug and horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be affected by coral spot, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus, fungal leaf spot or iron deficiency and lime-induced chlorosis
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.