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Description
Magnolia Soulangeana Spectrum, commonly known as the Saucer Magnolia, is a flowering tree that belongs to the family Magnoliaceae. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The tree blooms in early spring with large, showy flowers that can be white, pink, or purple. The flowers have a distinctive cup-like shape, which gives the tree its common name. The Saucer Magnolia is a popular ornamental tree, valued for its beautiful flowers and attractive foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus | Magnolia |
Appearance
The Saucer Magnolia has a distinctive appearance, with large, showy flowers and attractive foliage. The flowers can be white, pink, or purple, and are cup-shaped, with a diameter of up to 10 inches. The flowers bloom on bare branches in early spring, before the leaves emerge. The leaves are large and obovate, with a glossy, dark green color. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow and brown, adding to the tree’s ornamental value. The bark of the Saucer Magnolia is smooth and grayish-brown, with a slightly furrowed texture.
Care Guide
To care for a Magnolia Soulangeana Spectrum, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight, and to choose the right soil and hardiness zone.Water: The Saucer Magnolia prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water deeply once a week during dry weather, especially during the first few years after planting.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, before the tree blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the tree.Soil: The Saucer Magnolia prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.Sunlight: The Saucer Magnolia prefers full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate some shade, but may not bloom as well.Hardiness Zones: The Saucer Magnolia is hardy in zones 5-9. If you live in a colder zone, you may want to choose a different type of magnolia.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Saucer Magnolia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by a few common problems.Pests: Scale insects and aphids can sometimes infest the Saucer Magnolia. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.Diseases: The Saucer Magnolia is susceptible to root rot and verticillium wilt. These diseases can be prevented by planting the tree in well-drained soil and avoiding over-watering.
Habitat
The Saucer Magnolia is native to China, and is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in North America and Europe. It prefers a temperate climate, and can be found in parks, gardens, and along streets.
Question and Answer
Q: When does the Magnolia Soulangeana Spectrum bloom?
A: The tree blooms in early spring, before the leaves emerge.
Q: Can the Saucer Magnolia tolerate shade?
A: Yes, the Saucer Magnolia can tolerate some shade, but may not bloom as well.
Q: What should I do if my Saucer Magnolia is infested with scale insects?
A: You can control scale insects with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Q: Where is the Saucer Magnolia native to?
A: The Saucer Magnolia is native to China.
Related Plants
- Magnolia Stellata
- Magnolia Grandiflora
- Magnolia Kobus
- Magnolia Virginiana
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses.
- Gilman, E. F., & Watson, D. G. (1994). Magnolia soulangeana.
- The Morton Arboretum. (2021). Magnolia soulangeana.
