Magnolia soulangeana

Magnolia soulangeana (also known as the saucer magnolia) is a hybrid plant in the genus Magnolia and family Magnoliaceae. It is a deciduous tree with large, early-blooming flowers in various shades of white, pink, and purple. It is one of the most commonly used magnolias in horticulture, being widely planted in the British Isles, especially in the south of England, and in the United States.

Description

Magnolia soulangeana is a medium-sized tree with a broad, rounded crown. The leaves are ovate and 10–20 cm long. The flowers are large, 10–20 cm diameter, with 6–12 tepals, which vary from white to pink to purple and appear in early spring before the leaves.

Taxonomy

Magnolia soulangeana was initially bred for horticultural use by the French plantsman Étienne Soulange-Bodin (1774–1846), a retired officer from Napoleon's army. It is a hybrid of Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora.

Cultivation

Magnolia soulangeana is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens, for its showy, fragrant flowers. It prefers a temperate climate, a good amount of sunlight, and well-drained soil.

Varieties

There are several named cultivars of Magnolia soulangeana, with different flower colors and shapes. Some of the most popular include 'Alexandrina', 'Brozzonii', and 'Lennei', among others.

Uses

Apart from its ornamental value, Magnolia soulangeana is also used in traditional medicine, particularly in China, for its bark and flower buds.

See also

• Magnolia × soulangeana 'Alexandrina'
• Magnolia × soulangeana 'Brozzonii'
• Magnolia × soulangeana 'Lennei'