Magnolia x soulangeana Seeds | Saucer Magnolia
LATIN NAME: Magnolia x soulangeana
COMMON NAME: Saucer Magnolia
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) is a tree. Saucer magnolia is a small, elegant tree that carries huge, goblet-shaped flowers before leaves open. Tree is a hybrid of two of old garden magnolias, and it is one of the most planted of the flowering trees of the temperate gardens. It is a tree of deep, rich, well-drained ground and open, sunny spot. Bees find the flowers quickly, and that pollinator traffic is a garden benefit in its own right. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Magnolia x soulangeana, a representative of the Magnolia group with clear practical value. Saucer magnolia has carved a quiet but solid place in plant science, and tree has been studied for huge, goblet-shaped flowers and its fine place among old garden magnolias. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Saucer Magnolia brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Saucer magnolia does a lot of work in the garden. Broad, oval, dark-green leaves give it a fine, calm presence through summer, and tree is an easy, generous choice for lawn, border and large container. It has been written up in horticultural papers for fine, early flowers and ease of tree, and it is a fine, long-lived tree of deep, rich, well-drained garden. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Magnolia bark, Hou Po, is a major Chinese herb for moving qi, easing fullness and calming wheeze, and its honokiol and magnolol are among the most studied natural anxiolytic compounds, now appearing in modern supplements and even toothpaste.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Saucer Magnolia under ordinary good conditions. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. A spell of cool, moist conditions ahead of sowing brings the seed along nicely and supports even germination. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
Saucer Magnolia repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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