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Description
Magnolia Soulangeana, also known as Saucer Magnolia, is a beautiful deciduous tree that belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. It is native to China and was named after a French botanist, Etienne Soulange-Bodin. This tree is highly prized for its stunning flowers, which come in shades of pink, white, and purple.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus | Magnolia |
Appearance
Magnolia Soulangeana is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Its leaves are large, oval-shaped, and dark green in color. The flowers are very showy and appear before the leaves in early spring. They are cup-shaped and can reach up to 10 inches in diameter. The petals are thick and waxy, and they come in various shades of pink, white, and purple. The fruit of the tree is a cone-like structure that contains red seeds.
Care Guide
To keep Magnolia Soulangeana healthy and vibrant, it needs to be given proper care. Here are some tips:
- Water: The tree needs to be watered regularly, especially during its first year of growth. It prefers moist but well-drained soil.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause damage to the tree.
- Soil: The tree prefers acidic, well-drained soil. If the soil in your area is alkaline, consider planting the tree in a raised bed.
- Sunlight: Magnolia Soulangeana needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. It is important to provide it with enough light to promote healthy growth.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Magnolia Soulangeana is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by some common problems:
- Scales: These insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the tree. Treat the tree with insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove and destroy infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly-drained soil can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the tree. Improve drainage and reduce watering to prevent this problem.
Habitat
Magnolia Soulangeana is native to China, but it is widely grown in gardens and parks around the world. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The tree is often used as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: When do Magnolia Soulangeana trees bloom?
A: Magnolia Soulangeana trees bloom in early spring, before the leaves emerge.
Q: How tall can Magnolia Soulangeana trees grow?
A: Magnolia Soulangeana trees can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Q: Can Magnolia Soulangeana trees grow in alkaline soil?
A: Magnolia Soulangeana trees prefer acidic, well-drained soil. If the soil in your area is alkaline, consider planting the tree in a raised bed.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Magnolia Soulangeana?
A: Magnolia Soulangeana is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Magnolia Grandiflora
- Magnolia Stellata
- Magnolia Kobus
- Magnolia Sieboldii
References
- “Magnolia Soulangeana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=247316.
- “Saucer Magnolia.” The Tree Center, www.thetreecenter.com/saucer-magnolia/.
- “Magnolia Soulangeana.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7768/Magnolia-x-soulangeana/Details.
