Japanese name: サラサモクレン Scientific name:Magnolia × soulangeana
[Overview]
A small to medium-sized deciduous tree.
A hybrid between Hakumokuren and Shimokuren, with characteristics intermediate between the two.
Leaves are simple and alternate, obovate, with entire margins that are slightly wavy.
The leaf tip is abruptly and shortly pointed.
At the base of the leaf stalk, stipule scars encircle the branch.
The flowers open before the leaves emerge.
The flowers stand upright facing upward, white on the inside and purplish red on the outside, but flower color varies greatly.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by grafting.
When grown from seed, it can take more than 10 years to flower.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained site with deep soil.
It dislikes pruning, so limit it to cutting unneeded branches.
Pests and diseases are relatively few.
