Magnolia soulangeana 'Susan’

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Susan': Deep Magenta Blooms for a True Spring Show

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Susan' is a compact, richly coloured magnolia that brings dramatic spring bloom to the garden just as the season begins to wake up. Slender, goblet-shaped flowers open in deep magenta-purple on the outside with a softer, lighter interior, creating a luminous two-tone effect in sunlight. Blooms appear in mid to late spring, often after the earliest magnolias, which can help extend the season of flower. With its upright, rounded habit and tidy scale, it’s an easy choice for smaller properties that still want a statement tree.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 8–12’
• Spread: 6–8’
• Flower Colour: Deep magenta-purple with lighter interior
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Deciduous green foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

Uses and Benefits: Ideal as a specimen in front yards, courtyard gardens, and mixed borders where spring colour matters. Its compact size fits beautifully near patios and walkways, where the blooms can be enjoyed up close, and it layers well with evergreens for a clean, finished look year-round. The later bloom timing helps it pair nicely with bulbs and early perennials, creating a long, continuous spring display.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil, and water regularly during the first few seasons to establish a strong root system. Mulch helps keep roots cool and soil evenly moist. Prune only as needed, and do so right after flowering to avoid removing next year’s buds. Shelter from harsh wind and late frosts helps protect early blooms, especially in more exposed sites.

History: 'Susan' is one of the well-known “Little Girl” magnolias, a group bred in the mid-20th century for rich flower colour and later bloom timing. It remains valued for its compact habit and dependable spring display, bringing magnolia drama to gardens where space is limited.

Final Thoughts: For a compact tree with bold spring colour and a refined, garden-friendly shape, Susan delivers a magenta bloom show that makes the whole season feel more vibrant.