£40.28 – £42.64Price range: £40.28 through £42.64
Magnolia soulangeana ‘Lennei’ is a superb deciduous shrub or small tree, famous for its large, fragrant, purplish-pink and white goblet-shaped flowers. These spectacular blooms appear in early spring, creating a stunning display and offering vital nectar for bees.
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Magnolia soulangeana ‘Lennei’ offers a breathtaking early spring display, showcasing large, exquisite goblet-shaped flowers that herald the new season.
This distinguished deciduous shrub or small tree truly captures attention with its magnificent bloom. A hybrid of Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora, Magnolia soulangeana ‘Lennei’ represents decades of careful cultivation. Its striking appearance makes it a cherished addition to many British gardens, where it creates a dramatic focal point before other plants awaken. The plant’s historical lineage adds to its charm, marking it as a classic choice for gardeners seeking early spring splendour.
The lineage of Magnolia soulangeana ‘Lennei’ is quite fascinating. This particular cultivar was developed in Italy during the 19th century, named after Count von Lenne. Consequently, its heritage is rich, combining European horticultural artistry with the timeless beauty of its Asian parent species. The plant forms an elegant, rounded habit, evolving into a small tree or large shrub. Its robust structure anchors garden designs throughout the year, even when dormant.
Before its mid-green, oval leaves unfurl, Magnolia soulangeana ‘Lennei’ bursts into a spectacular floral show. Furthermore, the large, scented blooms feature rich purplish-pink on the outside, gradually softening to pure white inside. This colour contrast delivers an eye-catching display. Moreover, the goblet shape of each flower is truly distinctive, drawing the gaze upward.
This early flowering provides a vital nectar source for bees emerging from winter. Consequently, it aids pollination cycles throughout the garden. Therefore, Magnolia soulangeana ‘Lennei’ supports local ecosystems from the very start of spring.
In the garden, Magnolia soulangeana ‘Lennei’ excels as a standalone specimen. It demands attention, making it perfect for a lawn centrepiece or near a patio. Its mature form develops a graceful, spreading silhouette. Generally, pruning needs are minimal for this magnolia. Gardeners typically remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Most importantly, undertake any necessary pruning after flowering to avoid sacrificing the next season’s buds. This simple practice ensures continuous magnificent displays.
Very hardy. Tolerates temperatures typical of a continental winter.
Water newly planted Magnolia soulangeana 'Lennei' regularly during its first year, especially in dry spells, to ensure establishment. Once mature, it requires less frequent watering. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring. Pruning is generally minimal; remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches after flowering to maintain shape and health. Protect from strong winds to prevent damage to early blooms.
This plant is deciduous so it will lose all of its leaves in the autumn and get fresh new foliage each spring.


