Saucer magnolia

What does Saucer magnolia look like?

Saucer magnolia grows as a large shrub or small tree with several stems. Its leaves are dark green, oval, and glossy, appearing after the flowers. The blooms are large—often 10 to 20 cm across—and come in shades from white to pink and maroon. Flowers open on bare branches in early spring, creating a dramatic display before the foliage appears. Some varieties have cup-shaped flowers, while others are more rounded.

Where does Saucer magnolia come from?

This hybrid was created in France in the early 19th century by Étienne Soulange-Bodin, who crossed two magnolia species at his estate near Paris. The first flowers appeared in 1826, and the plant quickly gained attention for its beauty. The name 'Magnolia × soulangeana' was given by a botanical society in Paris, recognizing Soulange-Bodin’s work. The hybrid soon spread from France to gardens across Europe and North America.

When and how Saucer magnolia blooms

Saucer magnolia blooms in early spring, often before many other trees. It is grown from cuttings or grafted plants, as it is a hybrid. The tree is valued for its ability to grow in a range of soils, including those with higher pH, and is less sensitive to wind than some other magnolias. Gardeners select from many named varieties, each with its own flower form and color.

How Saucer magnolia is used

This magnolia is widely planted in gardens and parks for its early and showy flowers. It is especially common in southern England and in both eastern and western parts of the United States. Some varieties have received awards for their garden performance. The tree is not used for food or medicine, but is valued for ornamental purposes and as a symbol of spring.

Kinds of Saucer magnolia

There are over a hundred named cultivars of saucer magnolia. For example, 'Grace McDade' from Alabama is known for its exceptionally large flowers, up to 35 cm across, tinged with pinkish-purple. The 'Jurmag1' variety is noted for its deep color and compact blooms. Flower shape and timing can differ between cultivars.

What Saucer magnolia means

Saucer magnolia is a familiar sight in spring gardens in many countries. It is appreciated for its early flowering and striking appearance. Some cultivars have received horticultural awards, such as 'Brozzonii' in the UK. The tree is not strongly tied to symbolism or religious use, but it is a favorite for ornamental planting.

Where Saucer magnolia is used and seen

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical GardensA historic garden and zoo in Central, Hong Kong with themed plant collectionsKórnik ArboretumPoland’s oldest and largest collection of trees and shrubs, near Kórnik CastleHolden ArboretumA vast botanical garden and arboretum in Kirtland, OhioNew Orleans Botanical GardenA public garden in City Park with themed plant collections and art deco featuresPowell GardensA 970-acre botanical garden near Kansas City, MissouriMendocino Coast Botanical GardensA coastal garden in Mendocino County, California with ocean views and diverse plantingsSouth China National Botanical GardenA major botanical garden in Guangzhou with diverse plant collections and research focusSim's Park, CoonoorA century-old botanical garden in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu

Questions people ask about Saucer magnolia

Good reading and sources

• USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
• Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
• Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
• Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database

• Magnolia × soulangeana on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data