What is a Chinese magnolia?

The Chinese magnolia, or Soulangiana, is a perennial that may be a shrub or tree. The Chinese magnolia is not native to the United States but is easily found in nurseries and garden stores.

Chinese magnolias have purple flowers, dark green leaves and brown seeds. They grow up to 30 feet high. Most blooms are seen in the early spring. Chinese magnolias have a long lifespan and can be propagated by seed, cuttings or bare root methods. They drop their leaves year to year, and foliage does not change colors in the fall. The Chinese magnolia has a low drought tolerance and requires full sunlight.