How big does Saucer magnolia grow?

About 4.5 m × 4 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 4–10 m × 4.5–9 m.

What soil does Saucer magnolia grow in?

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

Is Saucer magnolia hardy?

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

Is Saucer magnolia toxic to children?

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

How far from the house should Saucer magnolia be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Saucer magnolia flower?

Flowering: March–May, pink, white, purple.

How much water does Saucer magnolia need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Saucer magnolia cost?

It sells for roughly €15 to €230 in local shops, depending on size.

Saucer magnolia

Magnolia × soulangeana

Saucer magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana) is a small tree that reaches 4.5 m × 4 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €15.

Illustration of Saucer magnolia — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

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

A broad, multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree that covers itself in huge, lightly scented goblet flowers, pink or purplish outside and white inside, before the leaves open. Grow it as a specimen in a sheltered spot with moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil; it dislikes limy ground and drying out. Avoid a hot south-facing wall, where it starts too early and a late frost turns the flowers brown.

Watch out for

Late spring frosts regularly brown the early flowers and swelling buds, so in Central Europe a display is lost every few years; a sheltered site and a late-flowering cultivar reduce the risk. On limy, alkaline soil the leaves turn yellow (iron chlorosis), and in hot, dry summers they scorch without watering. Its fleshy, shallow roots resent transplanting and digging near the trunk. Scale insects, leaf spot and powdery mildew occur.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 4.5 m × 4 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, pink, white, purple

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	4.5 m × 4 m
Ultimate size	4–10 m × 4.5–9 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–May, pink, white, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	500 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
30-60 cm	approx. €32
60-100 cm	approx. €40
100-150 cm	approx. €87
150-200 cm	approx. €170
size not stated	approx. €37 – €180

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants that are non-toxic to children Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving Fragrant plants

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