$34.96
saucermagnolia
Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
Sold as a 3-Pack of Plants in 2.5" Pots
Welcome spring with one of the most beloved flowering trees in the world, the Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana). Famous for its enormous, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple that open on bare branches in early spring, this classic hybrid is a true landscape showpiece and a favorite for lawns, entryways, and garden borders.
First developed in France in the 1820s from a cross between Yulan Magnolia and Lily Magnolia, the Saucer Magnolia combines large, fragrant blooms with a graceful, spreading form. Sold here as a 3-pack of starter plants in 2.5" pots, it is an affordable way to start several magnolias at once, whether you're planning a flowering grove, a row along a property line, or sharing plants with friends and family.
Few trees announce spring the way a Saucer Magnolia does. Before a single leaf appears, the branches fill with large, cup-shaped flowers, often with outer petals in rich pink or purple and softer, lighter interiors. The display typically arrives in early to mid spring, and the flowers carry a pleasant fragrance.
After the blooms fade, broad green leaves fill out a handsome canopy that provides summer shade and structure, and the tree's smooth gray bark adds winter interest. With age, it develops into a wide-spreading, low-branched tree that makes a dramatic specimen in any landscape.
The Saucer Magnolia is a versatile flowering tree that fits a wide range of landscape needs. Plant it as a lawn specimen, near a patio or entryway where its fragrance can be enjoyed, or group several trees together for a stunning spring display.
Because your plants arrive as young starters in 2.5" pots, they are an economical way to establish multiple trees, but they will need a little extra care and patience at first. Plan to pot them up into larger containers or plant them into a prepared bed, and expect several years of growth before the first flowers appear. Give each tree plenty of room, as the Saucer Magnolia matures into a large, wide-spreading tree.
Your plants arrive in small 2.5" pots, so they have limited root space and will dry out quickly. Water them promptly on arrival, keep them out of harsh afternoon sun and strong wind at first, and plan to transplant them into larger pots (such as 1-gallon containers) or a protected garden bed once they have settled in and begun to grow.
Keep the soil consistently moist while your plants are becoming established. Small pots can dry out within a day or two in hot or windy weather, so check them often. After planting, water deeply and regularly until the root system becomes established. Magnolias prefer evenly moist soil but do not tolerate waterlogged ground. A layer of mulch around the root zone can help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures.
Saucer Magnolia performs best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun (6 or more hours daily) encourages the heaviest flowering, while young plants benefit from some protection from intense afternoon sun and wind while they establish.
Plant in fertile, moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Saucer Magnolia tolerates a range of soil types, but very alkaline soils can cause yellowing of the leaves, so amend if needed.
Saucer Magnolia generally does not require heavy fertilization. Once established, if additional nutrients are needed, use a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving trees and shrubs in early spring and follow the manufacturer's application instructions.
Little pruning is needed. Allow your young plants to establish, then prune only as needed to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. If shaping is desired, prune right after flowering to avoid removing next year's flower buds.
Because the flowers open early, before the leaves appear, they can be damaged by late spring frosts. Planting in a location sheltered from cold winds, and avoiding low spots where frost settles, can help protect the blooms.
| Common Name | Saucer Magnolia |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Magnolia x soulangeana |
| Plant Type | Deciduous Flowering Tree |
| Hardiness Zone | 5 - 9 |
| Pack Size | 3-Pack |
| Container Size | 2.5" Pots |
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil | Moist, Well-Drained, Slightly Acidic |
| Mature Size | 20-30 ft. Tall and Wide |
| Bloom Color | White, Pink & Purple Tones |
| Bloom Time | Early to Mid Spring (Before Leaf-Out) |
| Landscape Use | Specimen, Lawn Tree, Entryway Accent & Spring Garden |
What comes in the 3-pack?
Each pack includes three Saucer Magnolia plants, each shipped in its own 2.5" pot.
How big will my plants be when they arrive?
Your Saucer Magnolias are shipped as young starter plants in 2.5" pots. Because plants are living products, actual height, branching, and overall shape can vary depending on the season and growing conditions. They will need time to grow before reaching landscape size.
How long until my Saucer Magnolia blooms?
Young magnolias typically take several years to begin flowering, and starter plants may take a bit longer than larger nursery trees. Providing good care, consistent moisture, and a sunny location will help your plants reach flowering size sooner.
Should I plant my 2.5" Saucer Magnolias directly in the ground?
Small starter plants are usually best potted up into larger containers first, so they can build a stronger root system before going into the landscape. If planting directly into the garden, choose a protected location, keep the soil consistently moist, and protect young plants from weeds, wind, and extreme weather.
What hardiness zones is the Saucer Magnolia suited for?
Saucer Magnolia is generally hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. In colder areas, plant in a sheltered spot, since flower buds can be damaged by winter cold or late spring frosts.
Does a Saucer Magnolia need full sun?
Saucer Magnolia performs best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun produces the heaviest flowering, while young plants benefit from some protection from intense afternoon sun and wind.
How far apart should I plant my Saucer Magnolias?
Saucer Magnolia grows into a large, wide-spreading tree, so allow generous spacing, ideally 20 feet or more between mature trees, away from structures, walkways, and overhead lines.
How often should I water my Saucer Magnolia?
Small 2.5" pots dry out quickly, so check them often and water thoroughly when the soil begins to dry. After planting, water regularly until the plants become established, and avoid soggy conditions.
When is the best time to plant my Saucer Magnolia?
Saucer Magnolia can generally be planted when weather and soil conditions are suitable. Mild weather is ideal for reducing transplant stress. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or during periods of extreme heat, and provide consistent moisture after planting.
Do Saucer Magnolias need to be pruned?
Very little pruning is needed. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as necessary, and if you want to shape the tree, prune right after flowering so you don't remove next year's flower buds.
Can I keep my Saucer Magnolia in its 2.5" pot?
No. The 2.5" pot is intended for growing and shipping the young plant and offers only limited root space. For the best growth, pot your magnolia up into a larger container or plant it in the landscape once it has settled in.
Whether you're planning a flowering specimen, a spring grove, or a few trees to share, this 3-pack of Saucer Magnolias is an affordable way to start growing one of spring's most spectacular trees, with giant, fragrant blooms and a graceful form that gets better with age.
Order your Saucer Magnolia 3-pack today and start growing spectacular spring blooms.
