Description

If there’s one thing these Magnolias do best, it’s flowers. In the right conditions, from mid-late spring, you’ll  be rewarded with giant off-white flowers (up to 25cm in diameter) tinged with deep pink or purple at the base which spreads up through the petals. These magnificent shrubs are made to be looked at and make a great statement in any garden. You can even grow them in one of our great selection of pots if you wish (though you’ll need to ensure good drainage and feeding). Unlike some other members of the magnolia family, the Soulangeana is deciduous, but the rewards are worth it – not only for those flowers but large deep green leaves and straight-forward maintenance.

On the larger side, they’re one of the more popular types of magnolia, reaching up to 8m in height. Preferring full sun or partial shade they do best in well drained soil, and although Soulangeanas are better than others in windy spots, it’s best to avoid planting in an exposed position.

When planting, you’ll need a large hole, around twice the size of the pot it comes in and be careful not to over-agitate the root ball as it’s quite fleshy and, as a result, fragile. Backfill with half fresh ericaceous compost and half original soil, pressing down firmly to avoid any air gaps. Soulangeanas require shallow planting so be sure that the soil isn’t banked up around the base of the trunk.

Little pruning is required, but if you do prune, do so lightly once the flowers have finished. A layer of mulch around the base will also help prevent summer dryness. If your soil is alkaline then you will need to use additives or ericaceous compost to help change the acidity of your soil.

Sold in 4 litre grower’s pot

Mature Height: 4-8m

Mature Spread: 4-8m

Flower Colour: White with pink or purple detail

Flowering Time: Spring

Foliage: Deciduous after autumn

Fragrant: Sweet

Growth Rate: Medium

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Position: Full sun / Half shade

Soil Moisture: Moist but well-drained

Soil PH: Acid, neutral

Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand

 

Please note: images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.