Magnolia x soulangeana ( Saucer Magnolia ) is a hybrid species of Magnolia created in France in 1826. It is now one of the most popular tree varieties in the world. Famous for its beautiful blossoms during Spring, it is also fairly hardy, drought tolerant and grows fairly quickly. Similar to the Southern Magnolia, their flowers are quite large at around 20 cm (8 inches).
Suitable for Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Growth
Saucer Magnolia is a flowering deciduous tree that reaches a height of around 8 metres (25 feet). Growth rate is moderately fast for the first twenty years and then slows down. This species does well in most climates though tends to bloom better in cold and temperate climates. Trees in warmer climates produce less flowers that are smaller than those grown in cooler regions. When mature they tolerate temperatures as cold as -20°C / -4°F.
Leaves of the Saucer Magnolia, are alternate, a shiny dark green colour. Flowers emerge at the end of Winter, followed by the deciduous leaves that last until the following Autumn. All blooms have two colour combinations that include white and pink. Late frosts in Spring can harm the buds and flowers if not offered protection.
Similar to one of their parents, the Purple Magnolia, these trees often flower within 3-4 years from seed. One of the main features of the Saucer Magnolia is the large flowers that often reach up to 20 cm (8 inches).
Though they are a hybrid variety, Saucer Magnolia trees do often follow the same traits as the parent tree.
FAMILY:
Magnoliaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20°C to 28°C / 4 to 82°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 8 metres (25 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 4 metres (14 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Beetles
MATURITY:
3-4 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
45-60%
GERMINATION TIME:
8 weeks cold stratification + 3-4 weeks germination
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3-5
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 1 years.
FACTS ABOUT MAGNOLIA x SOULANGEANA (Saucer Magnolia)
Saucer Magnolia is one of the most commonly used Magnolias in horticulture, widely grown in Britain and the United States.
