Magnolia x soulangeana is an upright, often multi-stemmed tree that tends to broaden as it ages.
It is much sought after for its magnificent, tulip-shaped flowers that are purple, pink or white outside and white inside. They appear against bare wood in late winter and spring.
The leaves are large, oblong and deep green with drip tips; appear afterwards the flowers.
Prefers full sun although the leaves tend to burn and turn brown when exposed to the harsh western sun. They will take some shade but will tend to produce less flowers.
Once established they are frost tolerant, however the flowers are sensitive to frost and all the open flowers will turn brown it exposed to a late frost. In frost prone areas it is worth finding late flowering forms and avoiding the disappointment of a wonderful display being killed by frost.
These garden favourites become more attractive as they age as the branches thicken into elegant shapes.