About this tree
A hybrid between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora, Magnolia x soulangeana was bred in France in the early 19th century and has become one of the most beloved flowering trees across Europe and North America. It typically grows to a height of 6–10 m and forms a broad, rounded crown. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the tree bursts into bloom with large, goblet-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. The flowers are lightly fragrant and highly attractive to early pollinators such as bees. The leaves appear shortly after flowering: large, obovate, and dark green, turning yellow-brown in autumn. While it offers limited habitat value, its dense branches provide occasional nesting sites for small birds. It is often used as a specimen plant in gardens and urban green spaces due to its dramatic flowering display and moderate size. It is best suited for ornamental planting in temperate climates because late spring frosts can damage the blooms, although the tree recovers quickly.