Description

The Magnolia de Soulange often has a bushy habit, but it can also grow on a single trunk. It is a calcifuge tree or shrub with a rounded, spreading habit, measuring 3 to 5 metres high and wide. Most cultivars branch at the base. Its large, simple, alternate leaves (10 to 15 cm) are borne on sturdy stems. The huge, pink flowers (10 to 15 cm) appear in early spring, at the same time as the Forsythia, on a leafless tree. Leaves follow, lasting from summer to autumn. By confusion, it is sometimes called a tulip tree or "false tulip tree", in reference to its spectacular spring flowering, which resembles pink tulips.

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Origin

The Magnolia ×soulangeana hybrid was created in 1820 by Étienne Soulange-Bodin at his Château de Fromont near Paris. It is the result of a cross between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliflora. From France, this hybrid quickly spread to England, other parts of Europe and North America.