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saucer magnolia flower

The saucer magnolia flower is a true harbinger of spring, known for its breathtaking display of large, tulip-shaped blooms. In New Zealand gardens, this iconic magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) has earned a place of honour thanks to its striking colour palette and early seasonal flowering. As the bare branches burst into a show of white, pink, and purple hues, the saucer magnolia flower becomes the centrepiece of any landscape, offering a dramatic and elegant effect well before most other plants have awakened. With its gentle fragrance and superb form, the saucer magnolia flower effortlessly adds sophistication and beauty to gardens across the country.

A lovely Magnolia 'Lennei alba' specimen tree covered in white flowers.

Magnolia Lennei Alba

Magnolia 'Lennei Alba', commonly known as Saucer Magnolia, bears masses of large, showy, semi-double, fragrant, ivory-white flowers that are borne on naked stems before the foliage emerges in late winter and early spring. It typically grows to 5 m in height and 4 m in width, and responds well to trimming. Magnolia 'Lennei Alba' is commonly grown as a specimen tree, added into mixed plantings, or used in avenue plantings.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
magnolia-grandiflora-jade-emperor-

Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Magnolia grandiflora Jade Emperor, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy, white flowers through late spring and summer. The fragrant flowers are borne amidst the glossy, dark green leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop. It grows with a rounded habit to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide and responds well to trimming. Magnolia Jade Emperor makes for a lovely specimen and is commonly added to a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, or grown as a hedge.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy...

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Magnolia grandiflora Russet

Magnolia grandiflora Russet is a striking evergreen tree known for its large glossy leaves with distinctive russet-coloured undersides. This unique...

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Magnolia Charles Raffill (Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill)

Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink and white flowers in spring. The lovely blooms are...

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Magnolia grandiflora Ferruginea

Magnolia grandiflora Ferruginea is an elegant evergreen magnolia tree known for its large, glossy green leaves with distinctive rusty-brown...

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Magnolia Red As Red (Red As Red Magnolia)

Magnolia Red as Red bears masses of large and showy, dark red flowers through late winter and early spring. The flowers are borne on the naked stems...

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magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2

Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

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Magnolia Honey Tulip

Magnolia Honey Tulip is a striking deciduous tree known for its unique yellow tulip-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. This elegant magnolia...

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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...

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A stunning white Magnolia stellata flower.

Magnolia stellata

Magnolia stellata, commonly known as the Star Magnolia or Starry Magnolia, features dark pink flower buds that open in spring to reveal star-shaped...

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Exquisite Magnolia 'Genie' dark purple flowers.

Magnolia Genie

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

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Magnolia denudata Gere

Magnolia denudata Gere is a graceful deciduous tree known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in early spring. This cultivar adds...

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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

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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...

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Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

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An exquisite Magnolia 'Iolanthe' two-tone pink flower.

Magnolia Iolanthe

Magnolia 'Iolanthe' is a stunning deciduous magnolia known for its large, goblet-shaped pink flowers with creamy interiors that bloom in early to...

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A dark pink Magnolia 'Cameo' flower on a young tree before the foliage emerges.

Magnolia Cameo

Magnolia 'Cameo' is a stunning deciduous magnolia prized for its upright, tulip-shaped flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring. The blooms are...

From$348.61
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

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A beautiful Magnolia 'Star Wars' tree with masses of pink flowers.

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...

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Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.

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...

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Magnolia 'Cleopatra' purple flowers.

Magnolia Cleopatra

Magnolia 'Cleopatra' is a compact, upright deciduous magnolia bred in New Zealand and admired for its large, goblet-shaped, cerise-purple flowers...

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Magnolia Vulcan

Magnolia soulangeana Vulcan is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, rose-red flowers through late winter and...

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Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

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magnolia-margaret-helen-

Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

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Magnolia denudata

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as the Lily Tree or Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree admired for its large, fragrant, creamy white flowers that...

From$299.92
A spectacular Magnolia 'Felix' tree with masses of bright pink flowers.

Magnolia Felix

Magnolia 'Felix' is a striking deciduous tree bred in New Zealand, known for its massive, rich pink flowers up to 30 cm wide that bloom in early...

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magnolia-strawberry-fields-1

Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
strelitzia-reginae-mandelas-gold-

Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower)

Strelitzia reginae Mandelas Gold, commonly known as Yellow Crane Flower or Yellow Bird Of Paradise, produces spectacular yellow flowers through...

From$83.63
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
A Michelia figo (Port Wine Magnolia) plant with pink blushed flowers and dark green foliage.

Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia)

Michelia figo, commonly known as the Port Wine Magnolia, is a compact evergreen tree prized for its delightfully fragrant, cream-white flowers and...

From$33.68
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Chaenomeles Double Take Orange (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles Double Take Orange is a flowering Quince that features masses of orange flowers from late winter. At this time the shrub is an arching...

From$26.93
Magnolia Lennei Alba

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Chaenomeles, Magnolia Michelia and Strelitzia, or related Categories - Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search saucer magnolia flower

Unique Features of the Saucer Magnolia Flower

The saucer magnolia flower is celebrated for its abundant and generously sized blooms, which can reach up to 25 centimetres across. Their satiny petals, often blushed in a spectrum of pink and white shades, open wide to showcase subtle, contrasting centres. The flowers stand out against dark, bare branches, creating a memorable early-spring display. This hardiness and floriferous habit makes the saucer magnolia a reliable favourite among gardeners looking for bold seasonal impact.

Best Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

New Zealand’s climate allows for a range of stunning saucer magnolia cultivars, each with its own colour and growth habits. If you’re searching for an exceptional specimen, Magnolia San Jose (Magnolia soulangeana San Jose) offers a profusion of soft pastel blooms with a classic shape. For those seeking a stronger magenta tone, consider the Magnolia Rustica Rubra (Magnolia soulangeana Rustica Rubra), a variety that produces deep, velvety petals on a compact tree. If you are drawn to enchanting white flowers, Magnolia Lennei Alba delivers pure, creamy blossoms in abundance, making it an elegant addition to any garden setting. For an unusual twist on the traditional look, the Magnolia Sundew (Sundew Magnolia Tree) combines soft blush tones and a delicate form, while the Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor) adds year-round interest with its evergreen foliage and creamy white blooms.

Growing and Caring for the Saucer Magnolia Flower

Caring for your saucer magnolia flower is straightforward with a few key steps. These trees thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefer a sunny to partially shaded position, sheltered from strong winds. Early spring is the prime season for flowering, and feeding with a slow-release fertiliser after blooming encourages robust foliage and future buds. Water young trees regularly during dry spells, but be careful to avoid waterlogging. Mulching around the root zone conserves moisture and keeps roots cool throughout summer.

Create a Timeless Display

The saucer magnolia flower’s grand blooms and hardy nature have made it a staple in classic and contemporary landscapes alike. By exploring diverse varieties such as Magnolia San Jose (Magnolia soulangeana San Jose), Magnolia Rustica Rubra (Magnolia soulangeana Rustica Rubra), Magnolia Sundew (Sundew Magnolia Tree), Magnolia Lennei Alba, and Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor), you can create a garden that celebrates the stunning beauty and seasonal magic of the saucer magnolia flower.


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