Magnolia soulangeana is a beautiful deciduous tree that is native to China. It grows to a height of 20-30 feet and has large, fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring. The flowers are white with a pink tinge and measure 8-10 inches in diameter. The tree is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.
Related plant:
Magnolia Figo
Related plant:
Saucer Magnolia
About soil condition, magnolia soulangeana prefers acidic soils with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5; it is tolerant of slightly alkaline soils, but not highly alkaline soils with a pH of 8.0 or above. The soil should also be well-drained; magnolia soulangeana will not tolerate standing water or waterlogged soils. The roots of the tree are shallow, so it is important to avoid damaging them when working in the area around the tree.
Not too different with other members of the magnolia family, the soulangeana requires full sun to partial sun in order to produce the most flowers. It is possible for the tree to flower in shade, but the blooms will be fewer and smaller. The tree does best in moist, well-drained soil, but it is remarkably adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as the drainage is good.
The temperature condition for magnolia soulangeana is warm. It should be kept above freezing, and ideally between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can tolerate periods of colder weather as long as it is not exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40%-50%. If the humidity is too low, the flowers will wilt and the leaves will drop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will yellow and the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.
About fertilizer, this kind of plant need more nitrogen and less phosphorus and potassium when they are in the growth stage. With magnolia soulangeana, you should use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. If you give them too much nitrogen, it will cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Pruning of magnolia soulangeana is important in order to maintain its shape and size. This can be done by removing any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. It is also important to thin out the canopy of the tree to allow for better air circulation and light penetration.
Propagation of magnolia soulangeana is typically done through rooting of softwood cuttings taken from the tips of new growth. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is beginning to harden off. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should have 2-3 leaves. Cuttings should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed. Once roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. This plant prefers a deep, rich, neutral to slightly acid soil. It grows rapidly in the first few years, then becomes slower-growing with age. Prompt removal of root suckers will help control its spread.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, scale, and root rot. These problems are often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To avoid these problems, water your magnolia soulangeana only when the soil is dry to the touch and make sure that the plant has good drainage.
Source:
Magnolia x soulangeana - Saucer magnolia, Tulip tree - unf.edu
Magnolia x soulangiana - Ohio State University
Magnolia x soulangiana - University of Florida
