Magnolias are among the oldest flowering plants in the world. The saucer magnolia is a special hybrid that thrives in lawns, gardens, and large containers. Whether buying one for the first time or cultivating an old specimen, this guide has everything you need to know about saucer magnolias and their care.
Ornamental trees are necessary additions to the garden. They act as focal points and backdrops, and some work well as living hedges! Saucer magnolias are some of the most striking ornamental flowering trees. In spring, they bloom giant, saucer cup-style flowers on naked branches.
These magnolias are hybrid specimens. They descend from two other species, and nowadays, there are dozens of saucer varieties with different-colored blooms, varying heights, and unique habits. This ultimate selection provides ample choices for gardens, from large sunny yards to shady small sites.
Though many magnolia trees are available, the saucer types are some of the most sought-after varieties. They’re popular for good reason. Plant one today to enjoy its blooms for the rest of your life!
Saucer magnolias are deciduous flowering trees that excel in temperate zones. They’re cold-hardy, tolerant of air pollution, and stunning in cultivated settings! Though not wild trees, they perform well with minimal maintenance and care during the growing season.
Saucer magnolia trees come from the parents, Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora, which originate from central China.
Because these descendants are hybrids, they rarely flee into wild environments. Instead, they stay within cultivated gardens without escaping. Seedlings may sprout but need cultivation and care to grow into mature trees.
These hybrid trees tolerate conditions similar to those in central China. They grow well in temperate zones with regular seasons but they can thrive in USDA hardiness zone 9 with protection from the afternoon sun.
Some features will help you identify these hybrids. They have a single trunk, though some tend to sprout multiple thick branches from low on their trunk. You’ll see them with a single or multi-stem structure. The bark is slightly fragrant, emitting a soft smell when you crush, cut, or bruise the wood. The smooth, gray bark has light gray spots on mature specimens.
In late winter and early spring, saucer-style blooms emerge from buds all over the trees’ canopies. They resemble tulips, which is why the species also goes by the common name “tulip tree.”
The blooms are one way to tell these magnolias apart from others. They open up towards the sky and look like cups on saucers! They typically have nine petals that are wine red, white, pink, or purple. The color depends on the variety.
The leaves are distinct from other types; they’re lush, green, and slightly lighter in color on the undersides. They’re oblong and have sharp points at their tips.
The best way to get a saucer magnolia in your garden is to find a potted tree at a local nursery. The saucer types are incredibly popular, and nurseries should have a few varieties available. You may also grow these trees from seeds, though the seedlings are unpredictable; they’ll grow differently than their parents.