Magnolia soulangeana Alba Superba

The Magnolia (x) soulangeana or Soulange Magnolia Alba Superba is a fascinating small ornamental tree that beautifully celebrates the arrival of spring. This variety is distinguished by its large, almost white flowers, barely tinged with pink at the base, which bloom profusely on branches that are still devoid of leaves. Of medium size but with good vigour, 'Alba Superba' is impressive with its beautiful crown that expands like a cloud. In the garden, this perfectly hardy magnolia is one of the most adaptable to soil and climate, making it suitable for adoption in most areas.

This Soulange Magnolia, sometimes marketed under the name 'Amabilis' or 'Alba', belongs to the magnolia family. It is a French horticultural creation from the 19th century, resulting from the cross-breeding of the Magnolia denudata and the Magnolia liliflora, both native to Asia. With a rounded and spreading shape, taller than wide, it reaches a height of 6 to 8 metres (19.7 to 26.2 feet) at maturity, with a width of 4.50 metres (14.8 feet). Often presenting a bushy habit with beautiful, well-balanced branches, it can also grow with a single trunk. Its deciduous foliage consists of oval, dark green leaves, with a paler and finely villous underside, turning yellow-brown in autumn, and measuring 10 to 15 cm (3.9 to 5.9 inches) in length. From March to May, depending on the region, large, solitary and slightly fragrant flowers appear, shaped like cups or tulips, measuring 15 cm (5.9 inches) in all directions, with white flowers touched with pink at the base. These upright flowers bloom from buds protected by villous bracts, and are formed by 9 waxy and thick tepals (indistinguishable sepals and petals), opening widely around a brown-red stamen core. After flowering, brown fruits in the form of cylindrical cones appear, containing red seeds. The lifespan of the Soulange Magnolia can exceed a hundred years. It is one of the most planted magnolias and hybrids in parks and gardens throughout Europe.

This Soulange Magnolia Alba Superba, an ornamental tree par excellence, will make a sensation in both medium-sized gardens and large parks! Perfectly adapted to our climates, it develops enthusiastically in any good garden soil that is not too chalky. Be careful not to plant other vegetation within 1.50 metres (4.9 feet) of the trunk of the Magnolia, as its somewhat superficial roots do not tolerate competition well. A true star during flowering, it is most often used as a standalone tree in the middle of a lawn, near a bench, or at the entrance of the garden. The key is to choose a strategic location from where it can be admired from a window. It can also be associated with a mass of acid-loving shrubs (Rhododendrons, Camellias, Hydrangeas, Kalmia) for a Japanese-style garden.

Magnolias are ancient trees, with fossils dating back more than 20 million years. Their magnificent flowering is considered one of the most primitive: their flowers are, from an evolutionary point of view, close to the earliest existing flowers. The bark of magnolias has medicinal properties and is used in cosmetics. Their wood is considered precious.

A bit of history:
Its name, Magnolia, was given to it in 1703 by Charles Plumier, the botanist of King Louis XIV, paying homage to the physician-botanist Pierre Magnol (1638-1715), who was one of the directors of the Botanical Garden of Montpellier in the late 17th century. Its specific name, soulangeana, originates from Etienne Soulange-Bodin (1774-1846), a retired cavalry officer from Napoleon's army who dedicated himself to horticulture. In his Fromont castle, near Paris, he became passionate about magnolias and obtained this hybrid in 1829, which today originates from a magnificent lineage of cultivars!