Magnolia Soulangeana

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Magnoliaceae

Order

Magnoliales

Genus

Magnolia

Species

soulangeana

Description

Medium-sized shrub that can also become a tree up to about 4/5 metres tall; deciduous plant with an irregular, informal habit. Cultivated both with tall tree-like branches and with base foliage. Of medium to large size, it has a compact, slender crown and regular, close-set branches. Light green, glossy leaves. Very showy and spectacular flowering of various colours from white to pink, purple and variegated, although the flower is simple in shape.
Good adaptability to various types of soils and growing environments; tolerates urban climates showing excellent resistance to heat stress. It requires a sunny exposure and tolerates half-shade. It develops both shallow and deep roots and grows well in all soil types, preferably fertile and well draining.
Typically ornamental plant, for park areas, gardens and rows or small groups. Also suitable for green roofs and residential areas. Resistant to pathogens and requires no pruning.

Origin and Diffusion

An interspecific hybrid obtained in the first half of the 19th century from the cross Magnolia denudata x Magnolia liliiflora by the Frenchman Étienne-Soulange Bodin, from whom the specific epithet soulangeana is derived, spreading in England and then throughout Europe as an ornamental plant.