What soil does Magnolia 'Susan' grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, clay.

Is Magnolia 'Susan' hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Magnolia 'Susan' toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

How far from the house should Magnolia 'Susan' be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Magnolia 'Susan' flower?

Flowering: April–May, purple, pink.

How much water does Magnolia 'Susan' need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Magnolia 'Susan' cost?

It sells for roughly €15 to €61 in local shops, depending on size.

Magnolia 'Susan'

Magnolia 'Susan'

Magnolia 'Susan' (Magnolia 'Susan') is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €15.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A compact, slow-growing magnolia that opens its slender purple-red, paler-centred, lightly scented flowers before the leaves in April and early May, and sometimes repeats a little in summer. It flowers a few weeks later than star magnolia, so spring frost spoils the blooms less often, and it fits a small garden or a large pot; it is sold both as a shrub and grafted on a stem. Plant it in acidic to neutral, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered spot, water it in summer and do not move it, because its fleshy roots are easily damaged.

Watch out for

In calcareous, alkaline soil it struggles and may even die, so in many Central European gardens it needs an acidic planting mix and soft water. It needs regular watering in dry summers, and with its fleshy, easily damaged roots it resents transplanting. A late frost can brown flowers that are already open, although this cultivar escapes more often thanks to its later bloom. Leaf spot, powdery mildew, dieback and scale can occur.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2.5 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, purple, pink

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2.5 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	2.5–5 m × 2.5–5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, purple, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	250 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about €15

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-40 cm	approx. €15
40-50 cm	approx. €20
40-60 cm	approx. €22
80-100 cm	approx. €47
110 cm	approx. €61
size not stated	approx. €40

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Plants that are non-toxic to children Plants for containers Flowering shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour

Looks good next to it

Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin'

Black mondo grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Irish moss

Sagina subulata