Are you looking for a flowering tree that will bring beauty and grace to your garden? Magnolias are classic flowering trees that are popular among gardenersbut do you know the difference between Saucer Magnolia and Jane Magnolia? In this article, well explore the similarities and differences between the two varieties, looking at their appearance, blooms, size, care requirements, and where to plant them.
Whether youre a novice or an experienced gardener, this article will give you the information you need to choose the best magnolia for your garden.
Lets get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana) is a deciduous hybrid flowering tree that produces large, cup-shaped flowers in the early spring.
Jane magnolia (Magnolia ‘Jane’) is a hybrid flowering tree that blooms in the spring with pink and white flowers.
The main difference between the two is that saucer magnolia is a hybrid created through the cross-pollination of two different species, while Jane magnolia is a cultivated variety that was bred from a single species.
Both trees are attractive and fast-growing, making them popular choices for gardeners.
Overview of Saucer Magnolia
Saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) is a deciduous hybrid tree native to China and Japan.
It is a cross between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora, and is known for its large, showy flowers that can reach up to six inches across.
These blooms appear in the springtime, in shades of pink, white, and purple.
Saucer magnolia can reach up to twenty feet high and is a popular choice for ornamental gardens or street planting.
Its large flowers and fragrant scent make it a great addition to any landscape.
The saucer magnolia is also known for its large, glossy leaves which turn yellow or red in the fall.
It is a hardy tree, tolerating both sun and shade, and is resistant to pests and diseases.
Overview of Jane Magnolia
Jane magnolia (Magnolia x Jane) is a hybrid variety of Magnolia tree, created by crossing two other Magnolia species.
It is native to the United States and known for its smaller, delicate flowers and vibrant colors.
The Jane magnolia is a deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter.
It is smaller than its cousin, the saucer magnolia, reaching a maximum height of fifteen feet.
The Jane magnolia is a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance tree that can add a splash of color to their landscape.
The Jane magnolia has small, cup-shaped flowers that range in color from white to deep pink, with a yellow center.
The flowers typically reach two to four inches in diameter and bloom in both the spring and fall.
The Jane magnolia is also known for its glossy, dark green leaves, which can reach up to six inches in length.
In the fall, the leaves turn a striking golden yellow, adding an extra touch of color to the garden.
The Jane magnolia is a great choice for gardeners looking for a beautiful flowering tree that is easy to maintain.
It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a variety of soil conditions and is relatively drought tolerant.
The Jane magnolia is also resistant to many common pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners of all skill levels.
Differences in Appearance
The two species of Magnolia trees, Saucer Magnolia and Jane Magnolia, may look similar but they have distinct differences in appearance.
The Saucer Magnolia is a deciduous tree native to China and Japan that has larger, more showy flowers that can reach up to six inches across.
In contrast, the Jane Magnolia is a hybrid variety bred between two other types of Magnolias, and has smaller, more delicate flowers.
The Saucer Magnolia also blooms during the springtime, while the Jane Magnolia blooms in both the spring and fall.
As far as size, the Saucer Magnolia can reach up to twenty feet in height, while the Jane Magnolia typically stays smaller, only reaching up to fifteen feet in height.
In addition, the Saucer Magnolia has a more open, spreading canopy, while the Jane Magnolia has a more upright, columnar shape.
When it comes to the bark of the two species, the Saucer Magnolia has a smooth, grayish-brown bark that develops deep, vertical furrows as it matures.
The Jane Magnolia, on the other hand, has a reddish-brown bark that is covered in small, horizontal ridges.
Overall, the Saucer Magnolia and Jane Magnolia may look similar, but they have dramatic differences in their appearance that make them unique.
The larger, more showy flowers of the Saucer Magnolia can be a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape, while the smaller, more delicate flowers of the Jane Magnolia can be an elegant alternative.
Differences in Blooms
When it comes to differences between Saucer Magnolia and Jane Magnolia, one of the most obvious distinctions lies in their blooms.
Saucer Magnolia is a deciduous tree native to China and Japan, and its flowers are significantly larger than those of Jane Magnolia, reaching up to six inches across.
These impressive blooms appear in the springtime, while Jane Magnolias smaller, more delicate flowers can be seen in the spring and fall.
Not only are the blooms of Saucer Magnolia larger than those of Jane Magnolia, they are also more showy, making them a popular choice for landscaping and ornamental gardens.
On the other hand, the smaller blooms of Jane Magnolia give it a more delicate, understated appearance that many gardeners find appealing.
Differences in Size
When it comes to size, the saucer magnolia and Jane magnolia have distinct differences.
The saucer magnolia can reach up to twenty feet in height, while the Jane magnolia typically stays smaller, only reaching up to fifteen feet in height.
This means that while the saucer magnolia is a larger tree, the Jane magnolia is better suited for smaller spaces and gardens.
In terms of girth, the saucer magnolia is usually a bit wider and fuller than the Jane magnolia.
Whereas the saucer magnolia can be up to fifteen feet wide, the Jane magnolia typically only reaches up to ten feet in width.
This means that the saucer magnolia will take up more space in your garden or yard, but will also provide more shade and privacy.
The saucer magnolia also has a more upright growth habit, while the Jane magnolia has a more spreading habit.
This means that the saucer magnolia can be pruned and shaped to fit your desired look, while the Jane magnolia is better suited as a natural, unpruned tree.
Care Requirements
When it comes to care requirements, there are a few key differences between the saucer magnolia and Jane magnolia.
While both varieties are relatively low-maintenance trees, saucer magnolias need more attention to thrive.
They prefer well-drained soil and must be planted in an area with full sun exposure.
They also require more regular pruning, as their branches tend to be more brittle and require more frequent trimming.
On the other hand, Jane magnolias are much more forgiving when it comes to their care requirements.
They can tolerate a variety of soil types and can be planted in partial shade or full sun.
They also require less pruning and maintenance than their saucer magnolia counterparts.
Both varieties of magnolia tree enjoy regular watering, but saucer magnolias need more moisture than Jane magnolias.
Additionally, both need protection from strong winds, as their branches can be damaged by harsh gusts.
As with all plants, proper fertilization is key to ensuring healthy growth and blooms.
Overall, the saucer magnolia is the more high-maintenance option, while the Jane magnolia is more low-maintenance.
It is important to consult a knowledgeable gardener or nursery to ensure you are choosing the best variety for your location and climate.
Where to Plant
When deciding between Saucer Magnolia and Jane Magnolia, it’s important to consider where you plan to plant the tree.
Saucer Magnolia is a deciduous tree, so it is suitable for planting in areas with temperate climates.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
The tree can reach heights of up to twenty feet and should be planted in a spot with plenty of room for growth.
Jane Magnolia is a hybrid variety and is also suitable for planting in temperate climates.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
This tree can reach heights of fifteen feet and should be planted in a spot with plenty of room for growth.
Both trees will need regular pruning to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Final Thoughts
Saucer magnolia and Jane magnolia are two distinct species of Magnolia trees, each with its own unique characteristics.
Saucer magnolia has larger, showier flowers, blooms in the springtime, and can reach up to twenty feet in height, while Jane magnolia has smaller, more delicate flowers, blooms in both the spring and fall, and typically stays smaller, only reaching up to fifteen feet in height.
When considering which species to plant, it is important to consider the size, bloom times, and care requirements for each type of Magnolia.
Once you have made your decision, you can start planning and planting your own Magnolia tree!