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Description
Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei, also known as Lennei’s Magnolia, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. It is a hybrid of Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora, and its flowers are considered among the most beautiful of all magnolias. This plant is native to China and was first introduced in Europe in the 1820s. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The flowers appear in late winter or early spring, before the leaves, and are large, cup-shaped, and fragrant. They can be pink, purple, or white, and they last for about three weeks. After the flowers fade, the leaves emerge, which are large, glossy, and dark green.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus | Magnolia |
Appearance
Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei is a beautiful plant with large, fragrant flowers and glossy dark green leaves. The flowers can be pink, purple, or white, and they appear before the leaves, which emerge after the flowers fade. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and it has a rounded shape. The bark is gray and smooth, and the branches are often twisted or contorted.
Care Guide
To care for Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei, you should provide it with regular water, fertilizer, and sunlight. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, and it is hardy in zones 5-9. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. This will help promote flower production.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can add organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.- Sunlight: Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Scale: Scale insects can infest the leaves and branches of the plant, causing yellowing and premature leaf drop. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.- Verticillium Wilt: This is a fungal disease that can cause leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Remove infected branches and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei is native to China and is commonly grown in gardens and parks around the world. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can tolerate cold temperatures and frost.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to plant Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei?
A: The best time to plant this plant is in the fall or early spring when the soil is cool and moist.
Q: Can Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei grow in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can grow in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the roots and provide good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei?
A: Fertilize your plant once a year in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.
Q: How tall can Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei grow?
A: This plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei:- Magnolia denudata- Magnolia liliiflora- Magnolia stellata- Magnolia grandiflora- Magnolia virginiana
References
– Dirr, M. A. (2009). Dirr’s Trees and Shrubs for Warm Climates: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Timber Press.- Huxley, A., Griffiths, M., & Levy, M. (1992). The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan Press.- RHS. (n.d.). Magnolia Soulangeana Lennei. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/23837/Magnolia-Soulangeana-Lennei/Details.
