#208 Magnolia x soulangeana Common Names: saucer magnolia, tulip tree, Japanese magnolia Family: Magnoliaceae (magnolia Family) Get link to this Profile or click for data record #208

This is a blossom of the 'Alexandrina' variety of saucer magnolia. Due to its tulip shape this hybrid is sometimes commonly called "tulip tree". However, this causes confusion with our other tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera - so I prefer to call it saucer magnolia which accurately reflects the flattened form of a fully opened blossom. Click here to download a large version (800x600) of this image.

A bud 'bout to bloom on a mid-February afternoon.

Location
The parents of this hybrid are M. heptapeta and M. liliiflora which are both native to Japan.

Culture
Prefers excellent, rich soil with plenty of organic matter. It must be well drained but moist. Prune as needed after flowering but before setting buds for next season. Plant in protected area to delay blooming as long as possible.
Light: Morning sun with filtered shade in the heat of day is ideal. Will take full sun if well mulched and moist, but such conditions often promote earlier flowering which is subject to cold damage.
Moisture: Evenly moist. Pay attention to watering needs in times of drought.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 to 9. Late freezes sometimes burn the very early flowers.
Propagation: Root cuttings with terminal buds in early summer.

This is the saucer magnolia variety 'Lennei'. It has huge 8 in (20 cm) flowers that are purple on the outside and pure white inside. A pure white version, called 'Lennei Alba' is also available.

Features
The saucer magnolia is one of the earliest flowering trees to bloom. In the Deep South and similar mild climates, it blooms in late winter and as late as mid-spring in colder zones. Wherever it grows, the saucer magnolia is a much anticipated first sign of spring. Many cultivars are available, bred for size of plant, blooming time, and flower colors. Yulan magnolia (M. heptapeta), one of this hybrid's parents, is very similar but with white flowers. It is often grafted onto the more vigorous M. x soulangeana rootstock.

The smooth stems of a bare naked tree make an impressive sight when illuminated with floodlights. Wrapping strings of clear miniature lights around the stems and branches accentuate the trees pleasing form and makes a festive holiday decoration.

Jack Scheper 08/16/97; updated 2/19/01, 2/15/03, 10/24/03, 2/2/08

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