Species magnolia
pink flowers with shiny, brown stems, and green, small leaves

magnolia

Magnolia 'Susan'

Magnolia 'Susan' is a deciduous species of magnolia that bears large, fragrant flowers with white petals. Its showy blooms appear in mid-spring on dark branches, making it a stunning addition to any landscape. The blooms are followed by husky green fruits with bright red seeds in the fall. It has glossy green foliage that turns a beautiful shade of yellow in the fall before dropping from the tree. Magnolia 'Susan' grows to be about 25 feet tall and is best suited for USDA zones 5-9. With its bright spring flowers and unique fall foliage, Magnolia 'Susan' is sure to bring a touch of beauty to any space.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Fuchsia Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

green,brown,pink Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

High

watering

Magnolia 'Susan' should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch and when the leaves are starting to droop. Generally, it should be watered every 1-2 weeks. During hot, dry weather, the plant should be watered more frequently. On average, about 3 gallons of water per week is usually enough. Make sure not to overwater the plant as it could cause the roots to rot.

sunlight

Magnolia 'Susan' needs around 6 hours of sunlight per day, with at least 2 consecutive hours of direct sunlight in the morning. This should be supplemented with morning shade and some afternoon shade, as the plant may become scorched if it is left in direct sunlight all day. A suitable location to plant Magnolia 'Susan' would be in a location that receives full morning sun and partial afternoon shade. It is important to ensure that the plant does not receive too little light as this can lead to poor flowering or leaf discoloration.

pruning

Pruning Magnolia 'Susan' should be done in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Prune just enough to maintain a symmetrical shape, removing any dead, damaged, or crossed branches. Also, thin out growth to allow for better air and light circulation. Prune no more than 25-30% of the canopy at a time. Doing this will ensure the tree maintains a full, health canopy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

soulangeana The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Magnolia 'Susan' is in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Magnolia 'Susan' typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

soulangeana The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Magnolia 'Susan' is in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Magnolia a deciduous or evergreen plant?

Magnolia is a deciduous plant, meaning it drops its leaves annually. It is part of the Magnoliaceae family and has over 80 species found in the Northern Hemisphere. The large, showy flowers bloom in a wide range of colors from white to purple and appear before the foliage emerges in the spring. Depending on the species, some Magnolia trees may hold their leaves through the winter and drop them just before new growth emerges in the spring.

Are all Magnolia flowers fragrant?

No, not all Magnolia flowers are fragrant. Some, like the Star or Saucer Magnolias, are fragrant while others, such as the Loebner Magnolia, are not. There are over 200 species of magnolias, and not every one produces a scented bloom. Some magnolia flowers, however, have an unmistakable sweet smell. It is best to do research on the species of magnolias you are growing to determine if its flowers are fragrant or not.

Is Magnolia a good plant for attracting wildlife?

Yes, Magnolia is an excellent plant for attracting wildlife. Not only does it provide bright and fragrant blooms for pollinators to enjoy, but its large leaves provide protection for birds seeking a safe place to nest. Its multiple saucer-shaped blooms open up quickly in early spring, in turn providing a rich source of nectar for a variety of bees and butterflies. Additionally, many Magnolia trees produce a sweet sap that can be used to attract hummingbirds and other birds that are especially fond of the sugary treat.

Are there different varieties of Magnolia?

Yes, there are different varieties of Magnolia. There are more than 100 species of Magnolia that have been identified. These different types of Magnolias vary in size, shape, colour and form, giving gardeners the opportunity to choose from a wide range of plants for their gardens. Popular varieties include the Southern Magnolia, Star Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia, Genus Magnolia and Umbrella Magnolia. Each of these varieties offer something different and beautiful for a variety of landscapes.

Can Magnolia be propagated by cuttings?

Yes, magnolia can be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the stems of juvenile (2 years old or younger) plants, making sure to include one to two nodes. The nodes are the small bumps located on the stem where leafy shoots will emerge. The cuttings should then be immediately placed in a damp potting medium, such as sandy soil. If desired, one can also dip the cutting into rooting hormone prior to planting to speed the growth of roots. Properly watered and placed in indirect light, the cutting should begin producing roots in 4 to 6 weeks.

Could Magnolia be trained to grow on a trellis?

Yes, Magnolia can be trained to grow on a trellis. Establish a strong and sturdy trellis in a spot with full or partial sun and make sure it is in an area with good airflow. Plant the Magnolia tree at least two feet away from the trellis. When it starts to grow and get tall, train it to grow up the trellis by tying stems to the trellis and pruning the lower branches off. With routine training and pruning, it can be trained to the shape and height desired in no time.

Can Magnolia tolerate drought conditions?

Yes, Magnolia trees can tolerate drought conditions. They have relatively deep root systems which help them access water that is deeper in the soil, and they are often more drought-tolerant than many other plants. To help them during periods of drought, you should mulch around the base of the tree and keep it well-watered.

Can Magnolia be grown in a coastal area?

Yes, Magnolia can be grown in a coastal area. It is tolerant of salt spray and wet soils, making it an ideal choice for coastal gardens. Magnolia prefers well-drained soils, with pH levels of 6 to 7. When planting near the coast, make sure to select a variety that is suited to your climate and and give it plenty of space to grow. Using organic mulch and watering deeply during dry periods can also help protect the tree and keep it healthy.