When Does a Saucer Magnolia Bloom?

History and Culture

• Saucer magnolias are hybrid trees that resulted from crossing Magnolia denudata with Magnolia liliiflora, species native to Europe and Asia. Most varieties grow in a fairly upright fashion during their youth, developing a wide, branching habit over time and averaging 20 to 25 feet wide and tall when mature. The mature shape can be rounded or roughly pyramidal, depending on the selection. Saucer magnolias prefer growing in fertile, slightly acidic soils that remain consistently moist but drain well. They adapt well to clay-loam, silt-loam and sandy-loam soil types but will not tolerate highly alkaline or boggy soils. They prefer growing in full sun or light shade and will often develop a multi-trunked form.

Bloom Period

• Saucer magnolias are often some of the first ornamental trees to bloom in spring. Some varieties will even break into bud during late winter. The arrival of warming spring temperatures and longer days in your area will generally dictate when the first blooms appear. In the warmest regions of their range, USDA zones 8 to 9, they may begin blooming in middle to late February or early March but may not bloom until April or early May in the coldest regions of their range, USDA zones 4-5.

Selections

• Most saucer magnolias feature blooms in shades of pink, white and purple. Be sure to select a known cultivar or blooming specimen if you desire a specific color. Many varieties also feature fragrant blooms. Recommended varieties include 'Alexandrina' (early blooming with large, rose-purple and white flowers), 'Big Pink' (large, rose-pink flowers), 'Lilliputian' (smaller-growing cultivar with light pink flowers) and 'Verbanica' (later blooming, deep rose-pink and white flowers).

Considerations

• Saucer magnolias rarely experience any significant problems from pests or diseases. If late winter or early spring freezes are common in your area, you may wish to select later-blooming varieties. Those that bloom earlier in the season may be susceptible to frost damage. Saucer magnolias are not tolerant of very windy locations or salty soils. Growing them too close to coastal shorelines may prove challenging. Their root systems are not invasive, making them safe to plant near buried utility lines and drainage systems.