Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Susan Magnolia
Magnolia x 'Susan'
'Susan' magnolia opens fuchsia to purple-red, goblet-shaped flowers before its green foliage takes over for summer. Its rounded, often multi-stemmed framework generally reaches about 8–12 feet tall and wide, fitting a specimen bed or informal screen with generous room. Bloom tends to arrive later than on some early magnolias, although frost can still damage flowers. Choose a lasting position: fleshy magnolia roots dislike disturbance. Organic, well-drained soil with moderate moisture supports establishment in Southwest Washington. Sun or partial shade can work, but avoid exposures that encourage vulnerable early growth. Prune only as needed after flowering to retain the natural outline.
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Hybrid Magnolia Magnolia 'Susan' Flower.JPG
Photo by and (c)2016 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man )
CC BY-SA 4.0 · Web-optimized
At a glance
- Mature height
- Typically 8–12 ft
- Mature spread
- Typically 8–12 ft
- Light
- Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 4–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Several stems give this magnolia a place in an informal screen or as a flowering specimen. Near a patio or regularly used border, the spring display is easy to see.
Where to plant
Allow approximately 8–12 feet for height and width and choose a lasting site. Avoid exposed frost pockets and warm southern positions that can encourage vulnerable growth too early.
Through the seasons
Fuchsia to purple-red flowers open before the main leaf display. Green summer leaves may turn yellow-bronze in autumn.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Protected siting helps reduce spring flower damage in Northwest gardens. Later bloom than some early magnolias can reduce frost exposure, but a cold night can still damage open flowers.
Soil, drainage & water
Provide organic, well-drained soil that stays moderately moist and is neutral to slightly acidic. Mulch the root area and water during dry periods without keeping the ground saturated.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Protect the fleshy roots from digging and unnecessary transplanting. Prune only as needed after flowering, mainly to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain the natural form.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Frost-damaged flowers
Buds or open petals may brown after a late cold spell.
Help your plant thrive
Use a protected position and avoid warm southern exposures that encourage early growth. Later flowering reduces, but does not remove, frost risk.
Root disturbance
Growth may weaken or the plant may recover poorly after digging or transplanting damages the roots.
Help your plant thrive
Select a permanent location and limit disturbance beneath the branches. Maintain moderate moisture while the plant establishes.
A little more inspiration
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Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', 1 - geograph.org.uk - 6785425.jpg
CC BY-SA 2.0 · Web-optimized
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