Magnolia x liliflora 'Susan'

"Susan" is a cross between M. liliiflora "Nigra" and M. stellata "Rosea." It is part of the "Little Girl" series of hybrid magnolias developed at the National Arboretum in the mid-1950s by Francis DeVos and William Kosar. Plants in this series bloom approximately 2-4 weeks later than M. stellata and M. x soulangiana, reducing the risk of flower damage from late spring frosts. "Susan" is best known for its compact, container-friendly shrubby habit, dark buds, fragrant pink flowers, and late blooming (mid-April). It is a slow-growing deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 8-12 feet tall over time. The leaves turn yellow-bronze in fall.