Magnolia 'Susan' D19 - flori mari, parfumate

Magnolia 'Susan' is a hybrid ornamental shrub in the Magnoliaceae family, renowned for its large, fragrant flowers and its compact size, making it ideal for small gardens or urban spaces. This hybrid is part of the 'Little Girl' series, a group of magnolias developed in the USA, resulting from the cross between Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' and Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'. 'Susan' is distinguished by its purple flowers and its good cold resistance.

Flower appearance

• Shape : The flowers are large, cup-shaped or tulip-shaped, with 6-9 fleshy petals , which gradually open, forming a semi-open flower. The diameter of the flowers is about 10-15 cm .
• Color : The petals are a deep purple-pink on the outside, especially at the base, and paler, almost white, on the inside, creating an attractive two-tone effect. The buds are a dark purple before opening.
• Fragrance : It exudes a sweet, floral fragrance with subtle notes that enriches the visual experience of the bloom.
• Flowering period : It blooms in early spring, in March-April , usually before or during the appearance of the leaves. The flowering lasts 2-3 weeks and is less sensitive to late frosts than other magnolias, due to the influence of Magnolia stellata .

Growth characteristics

• Height : Grows as a compact shrub or small tree, reaching 2.5-4 meters tall and 2-3 meters wide, with a round, dense crown.
• Foliage : The leaves are oval, dark green , 8-12 cm long, with a smooth texture. They fall in autumn, after which they may turn yellow.
• Vigor : It has slow to moderate growth, forming a branched, compact structure that suits confined spaces.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun or light semi-shade , with protection from strong winds that can damage the flowers.
• Soil : It needs fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7). Loamy or clayey soils, rich in organic matter, are ideal.
• Watering : Requires regular watering, especially in the first years and during dry periods, but does not tolerate soggy soils.
• Pruning : Pruning is minimal, done after flowering (April-May) to remove dead branches or to shape the plant. Severe pruning can reduce future flowering.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : It is hardy to temperatures down to -25°C to -30°C (USDA zones 4-8), making it suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. The flowers are more resistant to late frosts than those of Magnolia x soulangeana , due to its heritage from Magnolia stellata .
• Fertilization : A balanced fertilizer applied in spring supports growth and flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which favors foliage over flowers.
• Pests and diseases : It is resistant to most problems, but can be affected by mealybugs, aphids, or powdery mildew in humid conditions; good ventilation prevents these problems.

Magnolia 'Susan' is ideal as a solitary plant in small gardens, lawns or courtyards, due to its compact size. It is also suitable in mixed borders, groups or as a background for shorter perennials such as tulips, daffodils or hydrangeas. The purple flowers combine beautifully with silver-leaved plants or dwarf conifers. It is also suitable for large containers on terraces, if proper drainage is ensured.

Origin

Magnolia 'Susan' was developed in the United States in the 1950s by Francis De Vos and William Kosar, horticulturists at the US National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. It is part of the "Little Girl" series, which includes eight hybrids (e.g. 'Ann', 'Betty', 'Jane') created by crossing Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' (with purple flowers) and Magnolia stellata 'Rosea' (with pink-white flowers). The goal was to obtain compact magnolias with abundant flowering and increased hardiness, suitable for smaller gardens. 'Susan' was officially introduced in 1955-1956 and quickly gained popularity due to its vibrant flowers and practical stature.

Magnolia 'Susan' impresses with its fragrant purple-pink flowers and its compact size, making it an excellent choice for small gardens or urban spaces. With good cold resistance and minimal care, this magnolia from the 'Little Girl' series offers a memorable spring floral display, bringing elegance and color to any landscape.