March Tree of the Month-Saucer Magnolia
“Woman has no seductions for the man who cannot keep his eyes off his magnolia.”
And what man or woman can take their eyes off of a magnolia in full bloom? The anonymously written quote captures the spell that magnolias have cast over us; even the name is beautiful, often used in book and movie titles, and more recently, a furniture brand.
The saucer magnolia, unlike southern magnolia, or sweetbay magnolia, is completely deciduous, losing all its leaves in the fall, so when it blooms, nothing distracts from the flower show. The bark is smooth and silvery, a perfect complement to the pink and white flowers. There are cultivars with more upright or shorter habits. Some with darker flowers, or later blooming periods … but my favorite is the old-fashion original, Magnolia x soulangeana crossed in the early 19th century by Frenchman Étienne Soulange-Bodin when he combined the yulan, Magnolia denudata, with the mu-lan, Magnolia liliiflora. One drive through Bellefontaine Cemetery or Tower Grove Park during magnolia season will make you a believer.
The original cross is usually multi-stemmed and matures into a well-rounded habit, 25-30’ high and wide. It takes full sun-part shade and isn’t picky about soil conditions.
What I love about this plant-NOTHING is more spectacular in the plant kingdom than a mature saucer magnolia in full bloom. The pink and white flowers are enchanting as the petals drop, creating a carpet around the tree. Multi-stemmed older trees possess great character—no serious pests or diseases.
What’s not so great-one of the first trees to bloom in St. Louis it is occasionally nipped in full bloom with late snows or a freeze. When we have a cooperative spring, which is more often than not, you really appreciate it-totally worth the wait. Some of the newer cultivars bloom later. Consider protecting it from southern exposure and high winds when choosing a planting location. If planted near a patio or walk, the dropped petals can be messy-beautiful, but messy.
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com All rights reserved.
