Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana · Deciduous Broadleaf
Plant Family
Magnoliaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental Flowering Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Alba' or the straight hybrid species given the white petal drop
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; susceptible to late spring frosts which can damage early blooms.
About This Tree
A multi-stemmed or low-branching small tree with a spreading, rounded, and often semi-irregular crown. Known for its massive, goblet-shaped flowers and attractive architectural form.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate arrangement; ovate to obovate shape; 3-6 inches long; dark green above and lighter/pubescent beneath; turns yellow-brown in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, silvery-gray bark on younger branches, becoming slightly textured and plated with age; very similar in appearance to beech bark.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Garden hybrid origin (France); parents native to China
Growing Season
Early spring flowering (March-April) before leaves emerge; leaf-out in mid-spring; dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
20-30 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide; slow to moderate growth rate; lifespan of 50-80 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly prized for its showy spring display; relatively pollution-tolerant; can be pruned as a large shrub or a small specimen tree.
Wildlife & Ecology
Flowers provide early-season nectar for bees and beetles; large leaves provide nesting cover for songbirds; seeds are occasionally eaten by squirrels and birds.