Saucer Magnolia

About this plant

Magnolia × soulangeana 'Black Tulip' is a truly exceptional cultivar, celebrated for its dramatic, goblet-shaped blooms. Appearing in early spring before the leaves unfurl, these striking flowers exhibit a rich, dark purple-red hue both inside and out, creating a breathtaking display. Even young trees are prolific bloomers, gracing your garden with a luxurious spectacle. This deciduous ornamental tree develops an elegant, rounded to upright habit, making it an excellent specimen plant or focal point in a variety of landscape designs. Its attractive medium green foliage provides a lush backdrop during the warmer months, contributing to its year-round appeal. 'Black Tulip' is relatively low-maintenance once established, offering a magnificent return for minimal effort. Its dramatic floral display makes it a standout choice for those seeking to add an unforgettable touch of early spring color.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Protect from strong winds, especially during bloom. Prune after flowering only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Minimal pruning is generally necessary to maintain its natural shape.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.