Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip'

Name: Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip'
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: MAGNOXSOULBLACKTUL40cm/45L
Price: 250.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

993 in stock

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1m – 1.6m Approx.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip'

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' is an exquisite deciduous magnolia known for its deep, tulip-shaped, velvety burgundy flowers—the darkest among magnolias—that bloom profusely in early spring. Growing 4–5 meters tall and 2–3 meters wide, it features lush green, oval leaves that turn yellow in autumn, providing seasonal interest.

With an upright, pyramidal habit that softens to a rounded form with age, 'Black Tulip' is perfect as a specimen tree or focal point in gardens and mixed borders. It thrives in well-drained, acidic to neutral soils, tolerates moderate drought once established, and requires low maintenance. This striking tree adds bold elegance and drama to any landscape.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 6m Approximately

Mature Width: 2 m – 3 m

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' is expected to grow Approx 20 – 40 cm per year (moderate).

Frost Tolerance

Is Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' frost tolerant?

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Magnolia × soulangeana ‘Black Tulip’ produces exceptionally large, deep burgundy-purple, tulip-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. The blooms emerge on bare branches, creating a dramatic, sculptural display with some of the richest magnolia colouring available.

Native Information

Is Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' an Australian Native? No

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' is Native to A cultivated hybrid between Magnolia denudata (China) and Magnolia liliiflora (Japan), developed in New Zealand for its dramatic flower colour.

Wildlife Value

Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and early-season pollinators emerging at the end of winter. The branching structure provides perching and shelter for small birds, while the broad leaves create shaded understory areas that support beneficial insects and microfauna once in leaf.

Sunlight Information

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Magnolia × soulangeana ‘Black Tulip’ performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic loam or sandy loam soils. It may struggle in alkaline, heavy clay or poorly drained soils unless improved with organic matter to enhance structure and aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong bud development, stable growth and its signature richly coloured flowering.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Black Tulip Saucer Magnolia

Genus: Magnolia

Botanical Species: soulangeana

Family: Magnoliaceae

Botanical Name: Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip'

Landscape Uses

Feature Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes
Shade Tree
Street Tree
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Choose a location where the tree will be sheltered from strong winds, with well-draining soil and full to partial sun exposure.
Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is upright and at the correct depth.
Backfill the hole, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture.

Feature Planting: Space 4 – 6 m apart to allow natural weeping form

Hedging & Screening: Space 2 – 3 m apart for dense screening

Avenue Planting: Space 4 – 5 m apart for formal vertical layout

Caring for Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip':

Water deeply and regularly to establish a strong root system, reducing frequency once the tree is established.
Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering trees.
Prune sparingly, mainly for shaping and removing any dead or damaged branches, preferably after flowering.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Magnolia 'Black Tulip' prefers moist, well-drained soil, but adapts well to different conditions:

Sandy Soil: Retains moisture poorly—add organic matter to improve water retention.

Clay Soil: Can retain too much water—improve with compost and sand to enhance drainage.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for steady growth and strong flowering performance.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, but tolerates mild alkalinity.

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' is expected to grow Approx 20 – 40 cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires consistent watering, and once established ‘Black Tulip’ has moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in moist, well-drained soils and benefits from deep, occasional watering through hot or extended dry periods to maintain healthy foliage, bud formation and reliable flowering.

Flowering Information

Does Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Winter
Spring

Flower Type:

Fragrant

Flower Colour:

Purple

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to plant 'Black Tulip' Saucer Magnolia?
Planting in early spring or fall is ideal, allowing the tree to establish before extreme weather conditions.
How often should I water my 'Black Tulip' Magnolia?
Water regularly, especially during dry periods and in the first few years after planting, to ensure healthy growth.
Is 'Black Tulip' susceptible to any pests or diseases?
Like other magnolias, it can be prone to scale insects, snails, and fungal diseases, but with proper care, these issues are manageable.
Can 'Black Tulip' Magnolia be grown in a container?
It is possible to grow it in a large container, but it thrives best when planted in the ground.
What sets 'Black Tulip' apart from other Magnolia x soulangeana varieties?
Its unique, deeply colored, tulip-like flowers and compact growth habit make it a standout selection for adding dramatic flair to any garden setting.