Magnolia X. soulangeana Pictkards Schmetterling

Common Name: Saucer Magnolia 'Pickard's Schmetterling'

Description: 'Pickard's Schmetterling' is a distinguished cultivar of Magnolia × soulangeana, celebrated for its elegant, creamy white flowers deeply stained with reddish-purple on the exterior. The blossoms, featuring narrow tepals up to 15 cm long, exude a graceful appearance reminiscent of butterflies—hence the name 'Schmetterling,' German for 'butterfly.' This deciduous small tree exhibits an upright growth habit, making it suitable for compact gardens. Flowering occurs in mid to late spring, reducing the risk of frost damage, which is advantageous in Melbourne's climate. The tree thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. 'Pickard's Schmetterling' is also noted for its vigor and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, underscoring its exceptional performance in gardens.

Form:

• Tree - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 8+ metres
• Width: 8 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Creamy white with deep reddish-purple staining on the exterior

Key Attributes:

• Scented flowers
• Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit
• Vigorous growth
• Late flowering, reducing frost damage risk

Toxicity:

• No known toxicity to humans or animals

Companion Plants:

• Azaleas
• Rhododendrons
• Camellias
• Hydrangeas
• Japanese Maples