Magnolia x Soulangeana, Saucer Magnolia

Technically this is a tree, not a plant, but potato potato, you know!? Before I get into this beautiful flowering tree, I have to admit one of the reasons that I like it so much is because it was in the front yard of my childhood home…it is very nostalgic to me! That aside, I think everyone can still admit that the Saucer Magnolia is one stunner of a tree.

The blossoms, which bloom in the spring, are about 6-10” diameter with pink on the outside and white on the inside. When the petals fall and cover the ground to make way for the green, glossy, leaves, it looks like a fairytale exploded in your yard. In the fall, the Saucer Magnolia grow these huge 6” long gnarly looking fruits - like a garden of Eden-prehistoric-type-looking fruit. This Magnolia is deciduous- meaning it drops its leaves- to reveal a pretty silver bark. I prefer this tree as a multi trunk and would plant it as a specimen tree in my yard if I had the room. It only gets to be about 20-25’ tall and wide at maturity. I have seen them down in Southern California near the beach all the way up to the bay area. There are a couple of varieties out there that I didn’t get into here, so if you are looking for one, determine which variety best suits your microclimate. USDA zones listed are 5-9 — check your local area before you plant this guy!

If you are considering a flowering tree, put this one on your short list!