Magnolia x soulangeana, Saucer magnolia, Tulip tree, large white-pink flowers, fast growing, suitable for temperate climate, 10 fresh seeds

Magnolia x soulangeana, a hybrid from the magnolia family created in 19th century France by crossing Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliflora, is an upright tree with a rounded shape that can reach 6 to 8 meters tall and 4.5 meters wide. It typically shows a bushy habit with well-balanced branches, although it can grow as a single trunk. Its oval, dark green, deciduous leaves, measuring 10 to 15 cm in length, turn yellow-brown in autumn. Large, fragrant, campanulate flowers, white inside and dark pink-purple outside, bloom from March to May before and after the leaves, consisting of 9 waxy tepals and numerous red-brown stamens. After flowering, it produces brown, cylindrical fruits containing red seeds. This long-lived tree, often exceeding a century, is popular in parks and gardens across Europe.

Thriving in small gardens and large parks, Magnolia x soulangeana prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It’s best to plant it at least 1.5 meters away from other plants to prevent root competition. Commonly used as a solitary centerpiece in meadows, it can also be paired with acid-loving shrubs for a Japanese-style garden or arranged in hedges with other cultivars. Magnolias, with fossil records over 20 million years old, are noted for their primitive flowering structure.

Propagating Magnolia x soulangeana from seeds
Preparing the seeds
Soak the berries in warm water overnight or for a few days to soften their red outer shell, making it easier to remove and expose the seeds. Clean the seeds with a soapy solution made from organic dish detergent to eliminate the oily coating that can hinder drying in nature, as this layer must be removed before proceeding.
Stratification
For cold stratification, simulate winter conditions by placing the seeds in your refrigerator, which mimics their natural dormancy after passing through animal droppings. This cold exposure enhances seed germination, shoot height, and root development.
Afterward, store the seeds in a damp paper towel or moist compost within a sealed bag or container in the fridge for the period of 90-120 days, ensuring they remain hydrated, as dryness renders the seeds non-viable. When the frost risk has passed and the temperature is set at 20°C and above retrieve your seeds from the refrigerator.
Sowing the seeds
To plant, fill pots or seed trays with seed-starting mix, sow the seeds 1 cm deep, water them thoroughly, and place in a warm location or on a heat mat set to 20-25°C. Keep the soil consistently moist, and expect sprouts to emerge in 4-6 weeks.