Magnolia Susan

Magnolia ‘Susan’ – Plant Description, Planting & Care Guide

Botanical Name: Magnolia liliiflora 
Common Name: Magnolia Susan
Type: Deciduous shrub or small ornamental tree
Flower Colour: Deep pink to reddish-purple
Flowering Time: Mid to late spring
Ultimate Height & Spread: Approx. 2.5–4m tall × 2–3m wide
Ideal For: Small gardens, borders, containers, and specimen planting

Plant Description:

Magnolia ‘Susan’ is a compact, slow-growing deciduous magnolia prized for its stunning deep reddish-purple, tulip-shaped blooms that appear in mid to late spring, often after the risk of frost has passed. This variety is part of the “Little Girl” series developed for later flowering and cold resistance.

It’s an ideal choice for smaller gardens or containers, offering big impact with relatively little maintenance. In autumn, its large green leaves turn soft yellow before falling, adding seasonal interest.

Planting Instructions:

• Best Planting Time: Spring or autumn

• Location: Choose a sunny to partially shaded, sheltered spot (away from strong winds)

• Soil:

  • Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil

  • Avoid alkaline/chalky soils or improve with ericaceous compost

• Spacing: Allow room for its mature spread (approx. 2–3 metres)

Care Guide:

Watering:

• Water well during dry spells, especially in the first 1–2 years

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

✂️ Pruning:

• Requires minimal pruning – remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches after flowering

• Avoid hard pruning

Feeding:

• Apply slow-release fertiliser in early spring

• Use ericaceous mulch to retain soil acidity

❄️ Hardiness:

• Hardy in most IE

• Flowers may need protection from late frosts in exposed areas

✅ Why Choose Magnolia ‘Susan’?

• Later flowering than many magnolias – less risk of frost damage

• Compact and manageable size – great for urban or small gardens

• Beautiful fragrant flowers that attract bees and pollinators

• Low maintenance once established

• Grows well in containers or borders