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Description
Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei Alba, also known as the White Saucer Magnolia, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. It is a hybrid of Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora, and was first cultivated in France in the 1820s. This tree is known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves appear.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus | Magnolia |
Appearance
The White Saucer Magnolia can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Its flowers are large, cup-shaped, and pure white, with a diameter of up to 10 inches. The petals are thick and waxy, and the flowers have a sweet fragrance. The leaves are dark green and oval-shaped, and can grow up to 6 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn a yellowish-brown color before falling off for the winter.
Care Guide
The White Saucer Magnolia prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. It is important to water this tree regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilize it in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer, and avoid fertilizing it in the fall or winter. Prune it in the late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Common Pests & Diseases
The White Saucer Magnolia is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including scale insects, spider mites, and magnolia scale. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker. To prevent these problems, keep the tree healthy by providing it with proper care and promptly remove any infected or dead branches.
Habitat
The White Saucer Magnolia is native to China, but it is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including the United States. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and along streets. It prefers a temperate climate and can thrive in both urban and rural environments.
Question and Answer
Q: When do the flowers of the White Saucer Magnolia bloom?
A: The flowers bloom in early spring before the leaves appear.
Q: What is the ideal growing zone for the White Saucer Magnolia?
A: It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: How often should the White Saucer Magnolia be watered?
A: It should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect the White Saucer Magnolia?
A: It can be affected by scale insects, spider mites, magnolia scale, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker.
Related Plants
- Magnolia denudata
- Magnolia liliiflora
- Magnolia stellata
- Magnolia grandiflora
References
- “Magnolia soulangeana ‘Lennei Alba’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 17 May 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c250>
- “Magnolia soulangeana Lennei Alba.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 17 May 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13311/Magnolia-soulangeana-Lennei-Alba/Details>
- “Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei Alba.” Dave’s Garden. Accessed 17 May 2021. <https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/62191/>
