Magnolia x soulangeana 'Vulcan' is a striking cultivar of the Saucer Magnolia, renowned for its exceptionally vibrant, deep red flowers. This deciduous magnolia variety is a favorite among garden enthusiasts for its dramatic floral display and relatively compact growth habit.
Common Name: Vulcan Saucer Magnolia
Mature Height (meters): 3-5 meters
Mature Width (meters): 2-4 meters
Spacing: Plant approximately 2-3 meters apart from other trees or structures to ensure enough space for its spread.
Foliage: 'Vulcan' features bright green, oval-shaped leaves that create a lush canopy throughout the growing season. The foliage turns yellow in the autumn before shedding, adding seasonal interest.
Flowering Period: The most striking feature of this magnolia is its large, cup-shaped flowers, which emerge in early spring. The blooms are a vivid, deep magenta-red color, making a bold statement in the landscape. The flowers are also noted for their size, often reaching 25-30 cm in diameter.
Form/Habit: Magnolia 'Vulcan' has a pyramidal to rounded growth habit, with a tendency to grow more upright when young and becoming broader with age.
Uses: Ideal as a specimen tree due to its stunning flowers and manageable size. It is also well-suited for planting in mixed borders, small gardens, and can be an attractive addition to larger landscape designs.
Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
Tolerates: Prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soil and is moderately tolerant of urban pollution.
Drought Hardy: Moderately drought-tolerant once established.
Sun: Best in full sun to partial shade.
Maintenance: Low maintenance; requires minimal pruning, mainly to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or diseased wood.
Water Requirement: Moderate; regular watering is important, particularly during dry spells and in the first few years after planting.
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Vulcan' offers a spectacular display of vibrant red flowers, making it a standout addition to any garden. Its combination of stunning blooms, manageable size, and graceful form make it a highly desirable choice for both small and large landscapes.