Magnolia 'Susan' (Magnolia) - spectacular flowering tree - 12 cm pot - Height 30 cm

The Magnolia 'Susan'usually blooms from March to April, even before the 'appearance of its leaves, which makes its flowering particularly spectacular. Its tall goblet-shaped flowers display a deep purple on the 'outside, slightly pink on the 'inside, measuring up to 10 to 12 cm in 'span. They give off a delicate fragrance that fills the entire 'surrounding area. On a young plant, the flowering is already generous from the second or third year, making it 'one of the most floriferous magnolias for small gardens.

Yes, the Magnolia 'Susan' (Magnolia 'Susan') is very well suited to container-growing on a balcony or terrace, provided you choose a sufficiently large container (at least 40 to 50 litres at maturity) with good drainage. Use a slightly acidic growing medium, such as a mixture of potting compost and ericaceous soil, and water regularly, as the container will dry out faster than the ground. The cultivar's slow growth is a real advantage: it retains harmonious proportions for a long time without requiring frequent repotting. Wintering outdoors is entirely possible, sheltered from strong winds.

The Magnolia 'Susan' prefers full sun or bright partial shade, ideally protected from cold winds. A location at the foot of 'a south- or west-facing wall is ideal: the heat absorbed by the wall promotes flowering and protects the buds from late spring frosts. Avoid areas exposed to easterly winds or frost pockets. In partial shade, the flowering remains beautiful but slightly less abundant than 'in full sun.

The Magnolia 'Susan' is a hardy shrub, capable of withstanding temperatures down to'around -15 °C, making it suitable for almost all regions of France. It spends the'winter outdoors without any special protection, its deciduous foliage allowing it'to enter natural dormancy. The real risk is'not winter frost but late frosts in March and April, which can turn already open flowers black. In regions with unpredictable springs, a temporary protective cover is enough to preserve the blooms.

The ideal time to plant the Magnolia 'Susan' is i'n (September to November) to promote ro'oting before w'inter, or in spring after the last frosts. The soil should be fresh, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 6.5) and rich in organic matter. Incorporate a good volume of compost or ericaceous soil at the bottom of the planting hole. Install a thick mulch (5 to 8 cm o'f pine bark or leaves) around the base to maintain freshness, retain m'oisture and protect the shallow roots from frost.

The Magnolia 'Susan' n'Susan does not require regular pruning and s'eals very well most years. If pruning is n'ecessary (dead, crossing, or frost-damaged branches), carry it out just after the spring flowering, never in autumn or winter. Avoid severe pruning, as wounds heal slowly and magnolias do not tolerate drastic pruning well. Maintain the cultivar's naturally spreading and graceful shape by removing only what harms the p'lant's balance.

The Magnolia 'Susan' s'pairs beautifully with 'other spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythias, kerrias or spiraeas, which follow its bloom and prolong the 'visual interest of the border. At the back of the border, it pairs very well with ornamental grasses or hostas, which, like it, appreciate relatively cool soil. For a display of complementary colors, pair it with purple or creamy white tulips that bloom at the same time in March-April. In 'autumn, its foliage takes on beautiful golden hues that 'harmonize with sedums, asters and decorative grasses.