shrub RHS Award

Susan Magnolia

Name: Susan Magnolia
Brand: Magnolia
Availability: InStock

Magnolia liliiflora 'Susan'

$78.26

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Hybrid magnolias are deciduous shrubs or small trees cherished for their large, spectacular, and often fragrant flowers that appear in early spring before the leaves. 'Susan' is part of the 'Little Girl' series of hybrid magnolias, bred to bloom later than other varieties to avoid damage from late spring frosts. It produces abundant, fragrant, reddish-purple, goblet-shaped flowers on a compact, multi-stemmed shrub.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The primary appeal is the magnificent spring floral display. The profusion of fragrant, vibrant reddish-purple flowers creates a dramatic statement in the landscape. Its compact, shrubby form makes it an excellent specimen for small gardens.

As a later-blooming magnolia, it is a reliable choice for gardens in colder climates that experience late spring frosts, which can destroy the flowers of earlier-blooming varieties. It works well in foundation plantings or as a deciduous screen.

The early flowers provide a nectar source for emerging pollinators. The dense branching provides cover and potential nesting sites for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$78.26

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and good drainage
Amend soil with compost to create a rich, acidic environment
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper
Plant high, with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level
Backfill, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch
Keep consistently moist, especially during the first few years

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from strong winter winds and late spring frosts to ensure the best possible flower display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide organically rich, well-drained, acidic soil
Mulch to keep the shallow roots cool and moist
Water deeply during dry spells
Protect from late spring frosts if possible

Don't

Don't plant in alkaline or wet, boggy soils
Avoid cultivating or digging around the sensitive, shallow root system
Don't prune heavily or in late summer/fall, as it blooms on old wood
Avoid planting in windy, exposed locations

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning spring-flowering specimenAnchor for foundation plantingsBeautiful addition to mixed shrub borders

Companion Plants

Rhododendron P.J.M. Helleborus orientalis Pieris japonica Narcissus (daffodils) Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Susan Magnolia questions

What zones can Susan Magnolia grow in?

Susan Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Susan Magnolia deer resistant?

Yes — Susan Magnolia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Susan Magnolia bloom?

Susan Magnolia typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Susan Magnolia need full sun?

Susan Magnolia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.