Rustica Rubra Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Rustica Rubra'
Overview
Rustica Rubra Magnolia is a spectacular deciduous species suited for larger garden and park settings. Boasting long-lasting deep pink, upright-cupped flowers, this Magnolia is distinctively beautiful and eye-catching. Its huge petals have a large velvet interior, perfect to attract beneficial pollinators. Its broad shape provides ample shade and its evergreen foliage is a great year-round feature. Rustica Rubra Magnolia is finally rot and disease-free, making it perfect for a drought-prone area. It is also highly adaptable to different soil types. All in all, Rustica Rubra Magnolia is an excellent choice of plant for the budding gardener and an amazing addition to the garden.
Care Guide
Watering
Rustica Rubra Magnolia should be watered once a week, providing 1-2 inches of water per session. Water should be evenly distributed around the plant, taking care not to wet the foliage. Periodically check the soil moisture to ensure the Magnolia is not dry and thirsty. During periods of extreme heat, it may require more frequent watering. In the cooler months, less water may be needed.
Light
Rustica Rubra Magnolia, commonly known as the Saucer Magnolia, is best suited to full sun, which provides 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown in partial shade, the tree will not develop as vigorously, but it will still grow and flower. It is best to place it in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. In winter, the amount of sunlight needed should be reduced to 3 to 4 hours per day.
Soil
Acidic, Well-drained
Temperature
Hardiness zone 6-6.
Pruning
Rustica Rubra Magnolia should be pruned when it is dormant, typically in late winter or early spring. Prune it to shape the canopy and selectively remove any weak, dead or diseased branches. It can also be pruned to remove any crossing branches which can weaken the tree. When pruning, always make sure to make your cuts close to the main stem of the tree. Too much pruning can result in sparse foliage and poor flowering in the next season, so prune only as much as needed. You can generally prune Rustica Rubra Magnolia by up to 20% of its live wood.
Propagation
Air Layering Propagation, Grafting Propagation, Cutting, Division, Seed Propagation
Diseases & Pests
Common pests: Anthracnose, Bacterial leaf spot, Dieback, Scale insects.
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