Magnolia x soulangeana Tree

Probably the most popular and commonly grown deciduous Magnolia variety, Magnolia x soulangeana has very large, tulip shaped white flowers that are flushed purple/pink at the base. The stunning flowers bloom in late spring and are also highly fragrant.

Deciduous dark green, glossy foliage begins bronzed red in spring, maturing to green in summer and fading to yellow in autumn. Magnolia soulangeana forms a rounded, spreading shrub or tree suitable for a small garden. Expect a height and spread of 6 x 4 metres in 20 years.

Also known as a Tulip, Saucer or Chinese Magnolia, Magnolia soulangeana prefers full sun or partial shade in a well-drained soil. Whilst it is more tolerant of wind than some other Magnolia varieties, it is best to avoid exposed positions.

AKA Magnolia soulangiana, Chinese magnolia, Saucer magnolia, Tulip magnolia

• Common name: White tulip magnolia tree
• Latin name: Magnolia x soulangeana
• Height and spread in 20 years: 6 x 4 metres
• Seasons of interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Foliage: Bronze/red young leaves, dark-green in summer, yellowing in autumn
• Soil: Tolerant of most soil types and best suited to free-draining situations

Planting Advice for Magnolia x soulangeana Trees

Our pot grown Magnolia soulangeana can be planted at any time of the year. To plant, dig a square hole as deep as the root mass and approximately 2x as wide. Remove weeds and grass within a metre of this location. To help Tulip Magnolias establish more effectively, sprinkle root grow in the planting hole.

Gently remove the pot but do not try to loosen the roots of Magnolia trees before planting. They have a fleshy root system and can be quite fragile. Place into the hole, then using 50% of the original soil and 50% compost, fill in the hole and firm around gently. Make sure not to bank soil up around the collar of the tree.

For tree forms of Tulip Magnolia (not bushes), we recommend using a stake and tie kit and rabbit guard. Once planted, water well around the base. The help and advice section has further information and videos.

Aftercare Advice for Magnolia x soulangeana Trees

If you’re planting Saucer Magnolia in spring or summer, water well for the first few months. Increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. Magnolias do not cope well with dry soils so this is especially important. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. Irrigation kits make it easier.

Keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for several growing seasons.

Pruning Magnolia x soulangeana Trees

Magnolia soulangeana can be pruned into shape, but should not be heavily pruned as they can go into shock. Simply remove any damaged branches or any that are growing in an awkward position.

If pruning to limit the overall size, stagger your pruning over a few years to alleviate the stress on your tree. Pruning for Magnolia should be carried out in mid-summer to early autumn. Avoid pruning in late winter to early spring.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.