Saucer Magnolia

[Tampa Scott]

I am interested in planting a Saucer Magnolia here in Central Fl. I have read that they grow in zones 4-9, and Tampa is in zone 9. Anyone seen one growing in a Central Fl location?

[fastfeat]

I'm trying to recall if I've seen any in the Winter Park or Largo tree inventories. If so, not many, but it would seem growable.

I'm guessing Eric has some at Leu. If he can't grow them there, then I'd say Tampa would be a no-go.

[Moose]

Dang Scott, how much room do you have left in Scott Land?

[Kailua_Krish]

They grow in Ocala but its slightly cooler there. All the healthiest ones grow in partial shade.

-Krishna

[Alicehunter2000]

Saucer
Magnolia
Magnolia
soulangiana

This widely planted ornamental tree is a hybrid of two Chinese magnolias, the Yulan Magnolia and the Lily
Magnolia.

Had to find out what it was....think we got one in Bonifay, Florida.....zone 8b.

[Eric in Orlando]

They are very marginal this far south. I have only seen a few in local landscapes here and they stay shrubby, 4-6ft tall. They also look crappy mid/late summer. The foliage gets fungal spots. We have tried several here at Leu Gardens and they die after a few years. Best bet is to plant it in modified soil, lots of heavier organic matter. Bright shade with good air circulation and moist soil.

They do really well north of Ocala, I see nice ones in Gainesville and north.

[Tampa Scott]

Thanks for the feedback! I picked up a 5' potted one last summer that was marked down real cheap. I have had it in the pot for about 6 months debating to plant it or not. It is showing a few buds now, so I am going to give it a try here anyways.

[Tampa Scott]

  On 2/21/2013 at 10:52 AM, Moose said:

Dang Scott, how much room do you have left in Scott Land?

Ron, My oak tree in the front yard left this planet in a storm a few weeks ago, that has left a good size open area.

[Kailua_Krish]

Have you thought about one of the evergreen chinese Magnolias? Some of them seem to get quite large and attractive. I got a Magnolia macclurei and even though its still small I love it; Eric has posted some nice photos of ones at Leu too!

-Krishna

[Tampa Scott]

[_Keith]

They grow very well in Zone 9a Louisiana, which should be very similar climate wise. Main difference it our clay soils vs Florida sands, so nematode damage might be an area to check.

[Moose]

Can anyone ID this Magnolia?

Here is the bud, just opening.

These are older blooms that look like they were pollinated. Will this develope into seed?

[Moose]

Magnolias do very poorly this far south. It is my understanding that Palm Beach Co. FL is "the cutoff" for their southerly range.

This plant is located on North side of the building and is shaded throughout the year. It may get a couple of hours of afternoon sun during the summer months.

Here is the same flower the next morning ...

It not a very large plant.

[Moose]

The fragrance from the flower is intoxicating. I know this is not much to go on for an ID. Can Magnolias be air layered with success?

Here is the same flower in the afternoon. Pollinators (bees) have already been visiting, see the pistilates on the petals. Unfortunately, these flowers are not very long lasting ...

[fastfeat]

Definitely M. grandiflora, likely 'Little Gem'. The biggest problem with them in SoFla is their inability to withstand limestone. I've seen them in Dade, but they're generally sparse and spindly. Try mulching heavily with peat and/or oak leaves.

Probably could be airlayered, but most are budded or grafted on seedling rootstock. Would be interesting to see if grafting on M. champaca would produce trees more tolerant of limestone.

Edited June 8, 2013 by fastfeat