Magnolia 'Sunsation'
Best low-maintenance flowering tree for gardeners seeking vibrant, frost-resistant spring color.
Introducing the Magnolia 'Sunsation', a stunning flowering tree designed to delight with its reliable late spring blooms, gracefully avoiding frost damage. This fast-growing variety showcases large, uniquely colored flowers, transitioning from rich yellow to rosy-pink at the base, appearing before the lush, dark green foliage. Its naturally uniform, pyramidal shape eliminates the need for pruning, offering a low-maintenance, striking specimen for any garden. 'Sunsation' thrives in various conditions, tolerating cold, heat, and humidity, making it an easy-care choice for a vibrant focal point.
$71.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
508
/ 1245
#508 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-33%
Below average
Item Form
Bareroot
/ Bareroot
Who it's for
- Landscapers looking for a striking, architectural focal point tree
- Gardeners seeking rare, vibrant floral colors for their landscape
- Homeowners in regions prone to unpredictable late spring frosts
Who should skip it
- Urban dwellers with limited yard space or small gardens
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance plants without soil amendments
- Impatient planters looking for immediate, fast-growing results
Performance breakdown
Bloom Reliability
Late spring flowering effectively bypasses the risk of late-season frost damage.
Maintenance Requirements
Naturally uniform growth habit removes the need for regular structural pruning.
Environmental Adaptability
Robust tolerance across diverse climates makes this a versatile landscape choice.
Visual Impact
Striking yellow and rosy-pink blooms create a dramatic, high-contrast focal point.
Growth Velocity
Fast-growing nature allows for quicker establishment in new garden designs.
Soil Versatility
Handles heavy clay soils well while maintaining necessary drainage for health.
Key Specs
Item Form
Bareroot
Mature Height
30 feet
Mature Width
30 feet
Hardiness Zones
4 - 9
Minimum Spacing
18 feet apart
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth Rate
Fast
Features
- Blooms reliably late in spring
- Large, uniquely colored yellow/rosy-pink flowers
- Maintains a perfect pyramidal shape
- Requires no pruning
- Tolerant of cold, heat, and humidity
- Blooms appear before foliage
- Fast-growing and blooms early
- Easy Care Plant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the Magnolia 'Sunsation'. Reviewers frequently note that the trees arrive healthy and well packaged, establishing quickly and showing vigorous growth within the first season. The primary delight centers on the stunning, unique yellow blooms, which reliably appear as advertised, confirming the plant's high value. While some mention the initial investment is significant, the long term performance and striking aesthetic make this magnolia a highly recommended garden centerpiece.
Know before you buy
Yes. By blooming later in the spring than many other varieties, it significantly reduces the risk of flower buds being damaged by late-season frosts.
Since this tree reaches a mature size of 30 feet tall and 30 feet wide, you should plant them at least 18 feet apart to ensure proper air circulation and growth.
No pruning is required. The 'Sunsation' naturally develops a uniform, pyramidal shape on its own, making it a very low-maintenance choice for your landscape.
This variety is highly adaptable and hardy in zones 4 through 9. It is specifically bred to tolerate a wide range of conditions, including cold winters, summer heat, and humidity.
It performs best in well-drained soil and is notably tolerant of clay. Ensure the planting site has good drainage to keep the root system healthy.
The large, yellow and rosy-pink flowers appear in early spring before the dark green foliage emerges, creating a striking, clean display against the bare branches.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$72