magnolia (Magnolia x)

First place champion Saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) in Louisville.

Species info:

Leaves: Entire, reverse ovate or elliptical abruptly short-pointed tip.

Leaflets: N/A (simple leaves)

Leaf Surface: Dull green above, hairy beneath.

Twigs: Light gray, stout, hairless with ring scars as nodes.

Bark: Ashy gray or brown smooth or scaly bark.

Flowers: 5-10” with 6 spreading petals, showy, pink or white, often fragrant borne singly on ends of twigs.

Fruit: Conelike with pointed fruits, splitting open to expose red seeds.

Botanical: Magnolia x

Family: Magnoliaceae

Mature Height: 25 feet

Canopy Spread: 25 feet

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Shrub or small tree with upright crown

Growth Rate: Moderate

Fall Color: Varies by cultivar, ‘Galaxy’ has copper/bronze foliage

Water Use: Moderate

Hardiness: Zone 5 to 8

Soil Preference: Acidic, moist, well-drained

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Wildlife Value: Significant. Seeds provide food for birds and mammals. Early bloom provides early forage for pollinators.

Pests/Pathogens: Scale, verticillium wilt, and chlorosis in high pH soils.

Planting Recommendations: Recommended selectively for protected sites along the Front Range.

Information Sources:

• Front Range Recommended Tree Species List

• Elbert L. Little. The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Western Region. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 1980.

• The Morton Arboretum. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/magnolia-hybrids/#overview. Date access 12/17/2025.