Magnolia soulangiana (Saucer Magnolia)

          The saucer magnolias throughout the area are resplendent. Hundreds of large, goblet-shaped blossoms unfurl in response to a warm spell in late winter. Gardeners in our neck of the woods are prepared to have these blossoms turned to brown mush by a sudden freeze. We plant them anyway. Most years we get to see the blossoms and are rewarded with a spectacular show.        

            Native to China and Japan, these magnolias (Magnolia ×soulangiana) are deciduous. A cross between M. denudata and M. liliiflora spawned the original hybrid saucer magnolia in a garden of Soulange-Brodin in France. The plant first flowered in 1826, and cultivars have since become widespread in American gardens. Michael Dirr, in his book Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, lists 14 cultivars of saucer magnolia.

            Sometimes called tulip trees because the flowers look somewhat like huge tulips, these trees bloom in spring before the leaves appear. All winter the coming show is evident. Pussy-willowlike buds hold the blossoms captive until just the right moment. When that time comes, a scene unfolds that dazzles passersby with its loveliness. Lavender to pink goblet-shaped flowers literally cover the leafless tree. Some flowers have pure white interiors with exteriors of purple to pink blending with white in various patterns. In fall attractive seed pods about four inches long produce reddish-orange seeds that emerge from slits in the pods.

            Saucer magnolias are generally long lived and trouble free. Mature specimens reach 20 to 30 feet in height with an equal spread. Growth rate is medium, and a newly planted specimen will grow from 10 to 15 feet over a ten-year period. 

Culture

            Saucer magnolias like full sun or very light shade and moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Shallow roots make them susceptible to extended drought, so they should be mulched well and watered during dry spells. Mulch should extend outward from the trunk at least two feet in all directions. This will prevent injury to the thin bark by lawn mowers and string trimmers.  

            A newly planted tree needs a regular watering schedule during the first year or until it becomes well-established so that it can develop a deep, extensive root system. Light fertilization with a general purpose fertilizer in early spring just before growth begins will encourage strong growth.

            Be aware of a few problems associated with saucer magnolias. Their flowers may be damaged by late spring frosts. Sometimes they may become infested with magnolia scale and the sooty mold that is associated with the scale. Unlike our wind-strong Southern magnolia, they are moderately susceptible to limb breakage in storms.

            Despite these potential problems, saucer magnolias are very popular in the South—sometimes to the point of overuse. One can understand their charm, however, when the magnificent blossoms unfold each spring. 

Recent Magnolia Developments     

            In the past few years, however, the magnolia world has expanded dramatically. Some of the most promising new species and cultivars come from breeding work begun by Dr. Todd Gresham. He bred various magnolias and produced thousands of hybrids, at least 35 of which have been named.     

            Yellow flowering magnolias are the Johnnys-come-lately to the magnolia scene. By using the native cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata), as a source of the yellow color and hybridizing it with other species, several good yellow magnolias have become available. Thanks to the work of Eva Marie Sperber and Philip Savage, such fine cultivars as ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Yellow Bird’ can be found. Work from several breeders has produced at least 35 new cultivars with yellow flowers.