Verbanica Magnolia

Verbanica Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana 'Verbanica')

Verbanica Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana 'Verbanica'), commonly called saucer magnolia, is a deciduous flowering tree prized for its large, tulip-shaped blooms in spring and its classic, broad-canopy magnolia presence. Flowers open in early to mid spring before or as the leaves emerge, creating a dramatic display that becomes the defining feature of the landscape for several weeks. This selection is valued for a refined flower form and a polished spring look that reads well from the street and from the home. With its graceful branching and mature silhouette, Verbanica Magnolia is an excellent focal point tree for front yards, patios, and larger mixed borders.

Distinctive Features

The flowers are large and cup-shaped, opening from colored buds into a lighter interior, creating a layered, two-tone effect as the petals expand. The bloom form is typically upright and substantial, giving the tree a clean, structured appearance in flower rather than a loose or floppy look. After bloom, the tree leafs out into medium green foliage and forms a broad, rounded canopy that provides light shade through summer. Like other saucer magnolias, it develops a mature, established character over time, making it feel like a permanent, intentional feature in the landscape.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun, with light afternoon shade helpful in hotter sites.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil; slightly acidic to neutral is ideal.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8.
• Habit: Deciduous small tree with a broad, rounded habit.
• Mature Size: About 20 to 30 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a signature spring-flowering tree where the bloom display can anchor the entire landscape.
• Front Yard Specimen: Build curb appeal with large spring flowers and a classic magnolia silhouette.
• Patio and Outdoor Living Backdrop: Place near seating areas where spring bloom can be enjoyed and summer canopy adds presence.
• Mixed Border Anchor: Use behind shrubs and perennials to add height, spring color, and long-term structure.
• Classic Landscape Designs: Fits traditional homes and garden styles where a broad-canopy flowering tree looks natural and established.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep-water regularly during the first one to two seasons; provide supplemental water during drought to support flowering and leaf quality.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to protect shallow roots and stabilize soil moisture, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if growth is slow; avoid heavy feeding.
• Pruning: Prune sparingly after flowering to remove dead wood or correct structure; avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce flowering.
• Frost Considerations: Early blooms can be damaged by late frosts; a sheltered site helps keep the spring display looking its best.

Why Choose Verbanica Magnolia?

• Classic Spring Flower Show: Large, tulip-shaped blooms create a dramatic seasonal highlight.
• Refined Bloom Form: Upright, substantial flowers give the tree a clean, polished look in bloom.
• Established Landscape Presence: Broad canopy and mature silhouette add long-term structure and value to the garden.
• High Curb Appeal: A standout spring focal point that looks impressive from the street and from the home.
• Timeless Garden Style: Complements traditional plantings and pairs well with evergreens, bulbs, and layered shrub borders.

If you want a saucer magnolia with a refined spring bloom display and the classic magnolia canopy that anchors a landscape, Verbanica Magnolia delivers memorable seasonal color and focal point presence that improves with age.