Saucer magnolia is a lovely plant that produces white or pink flowers. It is a deciduous tree that is native to parts of Asia and North America. This species is often grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
About soil condition, the saucer magnolia prefers acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It also thrives in average to moist conditions, and well-drained soils are essential. This tree is not drought tolerant.
So, like the other magnolia trees, the saucer magnolia requires full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. It is important to plant the tree in an area that will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. The tree will also need moist, well-drained soil in order to grow.
The temperature condition that is best for the saucer magnolia tree is a cool climate. This tree is native to North America, and it prefers cooler temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the saucer magnolia tree is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree will not do well in climates that are too hot or too cold.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. At 50% humidity, the leaves will start to wilt and the flowers will start to wilt and the flowers will start to drop. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will curl and the plant will go into dormancy.
Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant prefers a low nitrogen fertilizer. When you are fertilizing other plants in your garden, simply avoid fertilizing around the base of the saucer magnolia. This will encourage the saucer magnolia to develop a strong root system.
Pruning Saucer Magnolias Although saucer magnolias (Magnolia x soulangeana) are generally low-maintenance, they may need occasional pruning to remove damaged, diseased or wayward branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. With their large, showy flowers, saucer magnolias add dramatic interest to the landscape.
Propagation of saucer magnolia can be done either by seed or by cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a cool, moist location as soon as they are ripe. Seeds typically germinate within 3-4 weeks. To propagate by cuttings, take cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. Stick the cuttings in moist soil and they should root within 4-6 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in the southern United States, where the species is native. In general, these studies have found that saucer magnolias grow relatively slowly. For example, one study found that saucer magnolias in Louisiana grew an average of just over 13 centimeters (cm) per year. However, other studies have found that saucer magnolias can grow much faster in certain conditions. For instance, one study found that saucer magnolias in Mississippi grew an average of nearly 35 cm per year in wet conditions.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, canker, and scale. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungus that covers the leaves and stems of the plant. Rust is a red or orange fungus that appears on the leaves and stems. Canker is a sunken, dead area on the trunk or branches of the plant. Scale is a small, hard, armored insect that sucks the sap from the plant.
Source:
Saucer Magnolia | Oklahoma State University
Saucer Magnolia
Saucer Magnolia | Arboretum | Georgia Institute of Technology - gatech.edu
