Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

magnolia liliiflora susan

Discover the undeniable charm of Magnolia liliiflora Susan, an elegant and resilient small tree perfect for New Zealand gardens. Sometimes confused with Magnolia soulangeana Susan, this highly regarded magnolia is prized for its spectacular goblet-shaped, deep rosy-purple blooms that add vivid colour and graceful form to any landscape from early spring through late autumn.

Magnolia soulangeana Susan

Magnolia soulangeana ‘Susan’ is a compact, deciduous magnolia valued for its rich, deep pink to purple, tulip-shaped flowers that appear in early to mid-spring. Growing to around 3–4 metres tall, it’s ideal for smaller gardens, borders, or as a feature tree. ‘Susan’ blooms later than many magnolias, and its upright, tidy form suits both formal and informal landscapes. Hardy and easy to grow, it brings bold seasonal colour to NZ gardens.

A Magnolia 'Susan' tree covered in pink flowers.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Trees
  • Height:
    3.00 m
  • Spread:
    2.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring
  • Garden uses:
    Living areas, Parks, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
magnolia-stellata-waterlily-5
Most Popular

Magnolia stellata Waterlily

Magnolia stellata Waterlily is a charming deciduous tree known for its unique double-petaled, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in early spring...

From$288.81
A beautiful Magnolia 'Star Wars' tree with masses of pink flowers.
Most Popular

Magnolia Star Wars

Magnolia 'Star Wars' is a striking deciduous magnolia known for its large, star-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink with pale interiors. Blooming...

From$331.15
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.
Most Popular

Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to...

From$38.94
magnolia-grandiflora-dd-blanchard-1
Most Popular

Magnolia DD Blanchard

Magnolia DD Blanchard is a compact deciduous magnolia tree known for its large, fragrant white flowers and attractive rounded habit. Ideal for...

From$416.76
Exquisite Magnolia 'Genie' dark purple flowers.
Most Popular

Magnolia Genie

Magnolia 'Genie' is a compact, deciduous magnolia prized for its rich, burgundy-purple, tulip-shaped flowers, which bloom in early spring. This...

From$288.81
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

From$27.24
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Most Popular

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$25.94
Cordyline 'Broadsword' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Most Popular

Cordyline Broadsword

Cordyline 'Broadsword' is a smaller variety of the commonly known Cabbage Tree, and features broad, bright green leaves held on a small tree. It...

From$136.36
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' hedge.
Most Popular

Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'

Griselinia Ardmore Emerald is a lush, NZ-native shrub known for its glossy, deep green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically reaches 3-4...

From$103.08
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Most Popular

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$93.54
Magnolia soulangeana Susan

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Magnolia or Magnolia Trees.

Search Magnolia soulangeana Susan

Why Choose Magnolia liliiflora Susan?

Magnolia liliiflora Susan is loved for its reliability, versatility, and compact habit. This deciduous magnolia typically matures to around 3 to 4 metres, making it a wonderful option for small gardens, urban courtyards, and container displays. Its exceptional spring flowers open before most other plants, creating a dazzling show when little else is in bloom.

Key attributes include: - Striking, fragrant purple-pink blooms in late winter or early spring
- Robust, upright growth with lush green foliage
- Excellent frost tolerance once established
- Low-maintenance, needing only occasional pruning to maintain shape

Plant Magnolia liliiflora Susan as a stunning specimen or include it in a mixed border for extended interest. Its prolific blooms invite bees and pollinators, supporting biodiversity in your garden.

Planting and Care Tips

Position Magnolia liliiflora Susan in a sunny to partly shaded spot, sheltered from strong wind. Magnolias thrive in rich, free-draining soil that’s slightly acidic. Add plenty of organic matter when planting, and mulch annually to keep roots cool and moist. Regular watering is essential during dry spells, especially while the plant is young.

Magnolias rarely require heavy pruning, but you can remove any dead or damaged branches after flowering. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage strong growth and flower development.

Pairing Magnolia liliiflora Susan with Other Ornamental Trees

Magnolia liliiflora Susan pairs beautifully with a variety of showy trees and shrubs, especially those that flower at different times or offer contrasting foliage. For more inspiration, consider adding the delicate, star-like flowers of Magnolia stellata Waterlily, or the bold, tulip-shaped blooms of Magnolia Star Wars.

For year-round structure and interest, try mixing with evergreen magnolias like Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem or Magnolia DD Blanchard. Those who want a compact, burgundy-flowered option will love Magnolia Genie.

Explore More Ornamental Choices

Magnolia liliiflora Susan looks striking alongside blossom trees and flowering shrubs that add seasonal colour. For lasting spring beauty, consider Malus Barbara Ann (Barbara Ann Crabapple) or the vibrant Crataegus laevigata Paul's Scarlet.

For a unique foliage accent, the bold leaves of Quercus mexicana and the arresting shapes of maples such as Acer palmatum Ueno-Yama (Ueno Yama) and Acer palmatum Inaba Shidare (Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple) make excellent planting companions.

Bring Home Magnolia liliiflora Susan

Magnolia liliiflora Susan is an exceptional choice for anyone wishing to bring early-spring drama and elegance to their New Zealand garden. Whether you feature it as a single statement tree or blend it with a tapestry of flowering ornamentals, it will certainly reward you for years to come.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

413 Google reviews