Home
Site Map

Annuals
Perennials
Shrubs
Trees
Bulbs
Pottery
Summer Gardening
Fall Gardening
Winter Gardening
Spring Gardening
Gardening Tips
Blooming Houseplants
Helpful Links

Tulip Magnolia
Magnolia X soulangiana

TheTulip Magnolia also called Saucer Magnolia and Tulip Tree is a beautiful small tree that blooms in early spring.  For the time it is in bloom it is extraordinary. The blossoms of Magnolia soulangiana are about 4" across or more.   The cup-shaped fragrant flowers come in shades of white, pink and purple. The lea ves are an interesting shade of dark green andthe bark is a silvery gray color, which adds interest to the winter garden. There is literally nothing not to like about this tree.

The Saucer Magnolia can grow to 20' or more, but is much more manageable if you keep it under 10-15'. Shaping and controlling the shape of the tree requires trimming several times each year. The Tulip Magnolia requires a full sun to partial shaded area with well-drained slightly acidic soil. It is a specimen tree and stands out well by its self as a focal point. I like to see them planted as a back drop for a pond or waterfall because they reflect well in the water.

The close up picture above is a Saucer Magnolia tree that is about 15 years old. It has been pruned to maintain a height of approximately 12 feet. The blossoms are the the beginning tight stage. They will gradually open to form a saucer.

Crape Myrtle
Japanese Red Maple
Trees