Saucer Magnolia or Tulip Tree
Every time I pass the saucer magnolia outside my house, I have to stop and admire its splendor. During most of the year, this tree blends into the background, but in mid-to late winter or spring (depending on your climate) it produces a riot of gorgeous, purplish pink flowers that look like tulips, which is why it’s also known as “the tulip tree.”
This tree literally “pops” with color because instead of producing its leaves first like most deciduous trees, it produces flower buds that bloom alone. The saucer magnolia (Magnolia X soulangeana) makes a great shade tree that does well in lawn. If you’ve always wanted one for your yard, now is the time to plant! (actually, anytime of year is fine, but why not do it now while you are still inspired?)
| USDA Zones: 4-9 Height: 20-30′ Width: 25′ Sun/Shade: Full Sun Water Requirements: Regular water. Pruning: Prune for shape after flowering, major pruning in dormant season. |
Hi. I have a Magnolia and for the moment he’s not looking so great. He has no leaves coming and nobuts for the flowers, others around are doing this. I noticed that he has some white spots over the trunk. I searched around but have no idea what it really is or wht to do about this and about his sd look…
Is there any help what I can do for my tree?
Hi Monique, where do you live? Also, can you tell me about the weather and how much water the tree has received in the past? (how often, how much, sprinkler water, deep water, etc). If you could also post a photo of the white spots that would help. Sorry to ask so many questions!
I truly do love the Magnolia, but in what is now Zone 5B, this beauty blooms in the sometimes cruel environment of April in central Iowa. A glorious day in April can quickly be replaced with a blustery day of 30 degrees and driving sleet, which will certainly cut the the beautiful bloom period short. The last I read, we get to enjoy the full beauty of its bloom about one year out of seven, but it is still worth it! As we say in Iowa (and probably the rest of the Midwest, if you don’t like the weather, just wait an hour and it will change!:)) Thanks for sharing!