Magnolia soulangeana Frank's Masterpiece

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Satisfaction' is a Magnolia hybrid with a large growth, easy to cultivate and particularly ornamental in spring. It is then covered with beautiful flowers in the shape of large cups in two shades of pink. Purplish pink on the outside, they reveal a light pink interior and have a pleasant, rather light fragrance. Unforgettable, like all magnolias in bloom, this one is perhaps even more so, especially when grown as a small tree. 

The Magnolia 'Satisfaction', from the magnolia family, is a recent horticultural creation. M. x soulangeana, originally the origin of a magnificent line of cultivars, is the result of cross-breeding between M. denudata and M. liliflora, two Asian species. 'Satisfaction' slowly forms a large bush with a rounded and spreading habit, taller than wide. It reaches an average height of 6 meters (19 feet 8 inches) at maturity, with a width of 5 meters (16 feet 5 inches). Often presenting a bushy vegetation carried by well-balanced branches, it can also grow on a single trunk. The leaves, 10 to 15 cm (3.9 to 5.9 in) long, have a rounded tip and are briefly acuminate. Deciduous, the dark green foliage, paler and finely villous on the underside, turns yellowish-brown in autumn. From March to May, depending on the region, numerous large, slightly fragrant solitary flowers appear before the leaves. They are in the shape of a light pink cup on the inside, darker and more intense pink on the outside. Upright, they open from buds protected by velvety bracts, and are formed by 9 waxen and thick tepals (indistinguishable sepals and petals), measuring up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Blooming widely, the flower reveals a center occupied by numerous reddish-brown stamens. It is followed by brown fruits, in the shape of cylindrical cones, containing red seeds. The longevity of the Magnolia 'Satisfaction' can exceed one hundred years.

This 'Satisfaction' Magnolia represents the quintessence of the magnolia with pink flowers that we have all admired at some point. Ornamental par excellence, naturally refined, it will work wonders in both a medium-sized garden and a large park. Among the most accommodating, it is generous in any good, deep garden soil that is not too chalky. It is most often used as a solitary subject in the middle of a short grass meadow, where it outshines all other plants in early spring. But once that is over, the small tree becomes discreet again. To take over, also consider other shrubs such as mock oranges, lilacs, beautybush, botanical roses, and many others. The 'Satisfaction' Magnolia can also be associated with a mass of acid-loving shrubs (Rhododendrons, Camellias, Hydrangeas, Pieris, Daphne...) for a Japanese-style garden.  Note that the Magnolia 'Satisfaction' is one of the ornamental trees that best withstands atmospheric pollution.