Saucer Magnolia
Full bloomMagnolia x soulangeana
Magnoliaceae · [VERIFY] · introduced
Last updated
Magnolia x soulangeana (Magnoliaceae) is a hybrid between M. denudata and M. liliiflora, and the most widely planted ornamental magnolia worldwide. It forms a spreading deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub. The large, goblet-shaped flowers appear on bare branches in early spring, typically white to pink to purple depending on the cultivar.
Saucer magnolia performs well in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Bloom begins around 96 GDD (base 50 F) with full bloom near 174 GDD, making it one of the earliest spring-flowering trees. The flowers are vulnerable to late frost. It blooms on old wood and should be pruned after flowering. Many named cultivars exist, ranging from nearly white to deep purple-pink.
Plant Profile
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Phenological Calendar
As of June 4, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2458.5 to 2700.8 GDD₃₂. Saucer Magnolia has passed full bloom (1009 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 4, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,701 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,695 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,637 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,598 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,564 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,560 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,459 | Full bloom | — | — |
View full calendar (2 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 | 701 | — |
| ● Full bloom BBCH 65 NOW | 1009 | — |
Sources: UMD: extension.umd.edu) ; OSU phenology catalog (OSU: weather.cfaes.osu.edu) About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 4, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 20, 2026, then climate normals.