Magnolia soulangeana Emperor

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Emperor' is a unique hybrid Magnolia with its large flowers and perpetual flowering in summer. Its extraordinary flowers, of a dreamy dark pink, first bloom in spring on its naked branches, and then again in summer amoungst the foliage. Unforgettable, like all flowering magnolias, this one may be even more so. Hardy and easy to grow in any good non-alkaline garden soil, this wonderful small tree also adapts to container cultivation for a few years.

The 'Emperor' Magnolia, from the magnolia family, is a recent horticultural selection made in New Zealand. One of its parents, the Magnolia x soulangeana, is the origin of a magnificent lineage of cultivars. This hybrid is the result of cross-breeding between Magnolia denudata and M. liliflora, two Asian species. 'Emperor' first presents a pyramidal habit, then its crown becomes rounded over time. It slowly forms a large bush or a small tree with a rounded and spreading habit, taller than it is wide. It reaches an average height of 5 meters (16 feet) and a width of 3.5 meters (11 feet) at ten years old. The leaves, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) long, have a rounded and slightly pointed tip. Deciduous, the dark green foliage, paler and finely hairy on the underside, turns yellow-brown in autumn before falling. From March to May, depending on the region, and again in June-July, its immense solitary cup-shaped flowers of dark pink color appear. Erect, they open from buds protected by velvety bracts, and are formed by 9 waxy and thick tepals (undifferentiated sepals and petals), measuring up to 30 cm (12 in) long. Opening widely, the 20 cm (8 in) diameter flower reveals a center occupied by numerous reddish-brown stamens. This is followed by red to brown fruits in the shape of cylindrical cones, containing red seeds. The longevity of the Magnolia x soulangeana can exceed one hundred years.

This 'Emperor' Magnolia enhances this small tree that we have all admired at some point. It will work wonders in both medium-sized gardens and large parks. Among the most accommodating, it shows great generosity in any good deep, moist, and non-alkaline garden soil. It is most often used as a solitary specimen in the middle of a short grass meadow, where it outshines all other plants from early spring to the heart of summer. To accompany it, consider other bushes such as mock oranges, lilacs, beautybushes, botanical roses, and many others. The 'Emperor' Magnolia can also be combined with a mass planting of acid-loving shrubs (Rhododendrons, Camellias, Hydrangeas, Pieris, Daphnes...) for a Japanese-style garden. Note that the Magnolia x soulangeana is one of the ornamental trees that best withstand atmospheric pollution.