Perhaps the best white flowering deciduous Magnolia, Magnolia Lennei Alba is strong growing and holds its flowers well.
The full name is M. soulangeana Lennei Alba, this is a hybrid between M. soulangeana and Magnolia denudata or ‘Yulan Magnolia’.
Large goblet shaped flowers appear on bare stems in spring give it the common name of ‘Saucer Magnolia’.
A subtle lemon fragrance is evident, and the petals of ‘Lennei Alba’ are thicker than many others, making them more resistant to the spring rains and wind.
We consider it to be faster growing than M. soulangeana itself, and also better in warmer areas. Growth rate is still on the slow side, taking around 10 years to get to 3 metres in height. This will depend on the soil and climate.
Magnolia Lennei Alba Care
As this is an early flowering variety, Lennei Alba is best planted in a open position. It will perform best in good light, in a humus rich well drained soil.
Choose a position with some protection from the hot afternoon winds.
Choose a position where it has room to grow and will not be disturbed. Like most deciduous Magnolias, Lennei Alba does not take well to transplanting once established.
The root system is shallow, so simply mulch around the plant to the drip line. This will help maintain some moisture, a cool root run and protect the root system.
This is a frost tolerant plant and requires little to no pruning.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Lennei alba’
- Common Name – Saucer magnolia
- Height – From 3-5m
- Width/Spread – From 3-5m
- Growth Rate – Slow
- Position – Full sun to part shade
- Soil – Humus rich and well drained
- Flowers – White
- Flowering Time – Spring
- Foliage – Deciduous, broadleaf and deep green.
Magnolia Lennei Alba is available for sale from the following participating nurseries
82 David Hill Rd Monbulk (Opposite Vika Ave)
Japanese Maple and Magnolia specialists, Wholesale and Retail. Large range of other deciduous and evergreen ornamental trees and shrubs.
www.yaminarareplants.com.au
WINTER HILL TREE FARM Ph: 02 4878 9193 Fax: 02 4878 9109
NSW Southern Highlands
Retail & Wholesale. Advanced trees & hedging. Grown in pots for year-round planting. 45 litre - 1000 litre available. Great range. Great Quality. Delivery available.
www.winterhill.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au