Trees

Magnolia 'Sunsation'

Sunsation magnolia

Sunsation magnolia flowers at Broken Arrow Nursery, Connecticut, May 8, 2011. Photo: Philippe de Spoelberch / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sunsation is an upright deciduous magnolia whose large chalice-shaped flowers blend yellow and gold with pink blushes or streaks. Bloom appears in mid to late spring before leaf expansion, somewhat later than many magnolias. Its comparatively narrow habit makes the striking flower color especially useful in a vertical garden composition.

At a glance

Sun: Sun to light shade
Size: Height: 20–30 ft · Width: 8–10 ft
Water: Once established, water deeply during dry periods
Hardiness: USDA 5
Bloom: Yellow-gold with pink, mid–late spring

Sizes & prices

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Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental flowering specimen
Form: Narrow, upright
Growth rate: Moderate
Major issues: Magnolia guidance: watch for scale; alkaline soils can cause chlorosis. Keep roots evenly moist in freely draining soil.
Fruit / litter: Seasonal litter is mainly fallen flowers and deciduous leaves; do not rely on an ornamental fruit crop.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Mixed nursery ratings: Monrovia lists resistance, while Kiefer does not; browsing remains possible.
Drought: Water deeply when dry, even after establishment.
Wet soil: Moist soil with good drainage; avoid prolonged saturation.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Large green leaves; deciduous.

Growing & care

Pruning: Usually needs little pruning. For deciduous trees, make necessary shaping cuts in summer; avoid major winter or early-spring cuts.
Soil: Deep, fertile, acidic soil that stays moist but drains well.

Sources & photo credits

Oregon State University

www.publicgardens.org

University of Minnesota Extension

Monrovia

Royal Horticultural Society

Sooner Plant Farm

NC State Extension

catalog.boomkwekerij-debruyn.com

Kiefer Nursery

Photo: Philippe de Spoelberch / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Sunsation magnolia flowers at Broken Arrow Nursery, Connecticut, May 8, 2011. Photo: Philippe de Spoelberch / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.