Saucer Magnolia

Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) is the deciduous magnolia that flowers on bare wood at the end of winter, before a single leaf has opened. Large cup shaped blooms, rose pink outside and white within, cover the whole framework of the tree for several weeks. It grows to about 5m tall and 4m wide: small enough for a suburban front garden, large enough to be the tree everyone looks at. The roots are non invasive, so it can go near paving and services without worry.

Why you'll love it

• It flowers when nothing else does. Late winter into early spring, on bare branches. It is the first real event in a cold garden each year.
• A feature tree at a manageable scale. About 5m tall by 4m wide gives shade and presence without a canopy that takes over a small block.
• Non invasive roots. Safe near a driveway, a path or a boundary, with no history of lifting paving or chasing pipes.
• Three seasons of interest. Flowers first, then broad green leaves for summer shade, then a silver grey branch structure through winter.
• Frost hardy and wind tolerant. The tree takes cold winters and exposure without complaint.

Where it works best

Feature and lawn specimen. Allow about 4m of clear space around the trunk so the canopy spreads evenly.

Small gardens and courtyards. Its final size makes it one of the few flowering trees that fits a compact block, and the deciduous habit lets winter sun reach the house.

Driveways and avenues. Spaced 4m to 5m apart, matching its mature width, a run of saucer magnolias flowers as one long block of colour.

Growing Saucer Magnolia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light part shade, in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It needs a proper cold winter to set a heavy bud, so it performs through the southern states, the tablelands and cooler inland districts, and not in the tropics or humid subtropics.

Soil. Deep, moisture retentive and well drained, ideally slightly acidic. Dig a wide hole rather than a deep one. Roots run shallow, so mulch 75mm deep and never cultivate under the canopy.

Water and feed. Water deeply twice a week through the first two summers, then one good soak in dry weather rather than frequent light watering. Feed with a camellia and azalea fertiliser as the flowers finish.

Pruning. Almost none. It flowers on wood formed the previous year, so shaping happens straight after flowering. Limit it to dead or crossing branches, because magnolias heal slowly and a heavy cut spoils the shape for years.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown from 200mm through to 100L. The 200mm and 250mm sizes come in multipacks and are the economical way to plant a driveway run, though they need three to four seasons before flowering well. The 300mm to 500mm sizes are the usual garden choice, and 45L to 100L trees arrive with a formed trunk that usually flowers in its first season.

If your tree arrives between late autumn and midwinter it will be leafless, and that is exactly right for a deciduous tree rather than a sign of trouble. Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full magnolia range
• Compare deciduous trees for Australian gardens
• See more flowering trees
• Trees with non invasive roots for tight spaces

Common questions

How big does a saucer magnolia get?

About 5m tall and 4m wide at maturity, with a broad rounded head. It takes many years to reach that, and it is easily held smaller in a large pot.

When does it flower?

Late winter into early spring, on bare wood, for two to four weeks. A warm spell brings it on early.

Will it grow in a subtropical garden?

It suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Without enough winter chill the flowering is thin and unreliable, so further north an evergreen magnolia is the better buy.