Rustica Rubra Saucer Magnolia

Rustica Rubra is a named saucer magnolia with an open, broad-pyramidal form and rose-red flowers. The formal cultivar spelling is **‘Rustica Rubra’**, a rose-red selection within the saucer magnolia group. [The Morton Arboretum’s cultivar profile](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/saucer-magnolia/) reports mature dimensions of 15–25 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide, and [Arboretum Volčji Potok’s specimen listing](https://www.arboretum.si/arboretum/herbarij/katalog/magnolia-x-soulangeana-rustica-rubra-soulangeova-magnolija-rustica-rubra/) confirms the spelling and hybrid identity. ## Placement Plant in full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. This deciduous hybrid is grown as a small ornamental tree; its early flowers are best displayed where they can be seen from nearby paths or windows. The Arboretum profile places the species in USDA zones 4–9 and notes that flowers can be injured by early frost. ## Seasonal interest Large, fragrant flowers appear in spring before the leaves. Rustica Rubra’s rose-red flowers and relatively open branching distinguish it from the many other color and form selections of saucer magnolia. Leaves are green through the growing season and turn yellow in fall. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry weather, since saucer magnolias are moderately sensitive to drought. Keep the root zone moist but well drained. Prune only as needed for structure or damage, ideally after bloom; avoid shaping away the natural open crown.