Unique Features: The Mercury Magnolia is a variety of Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia x soulangeana, known for their extra-large, early blooming flowers. The Mercury Magnolia has the large flowers, but they bloom about a month later than others of the Saucer series. This means the flowers are more likely to avoid the spring frosts common in our area. The buds are a rich magenta color and open to large lavender pink and white flowers, which are more open than those of the goblet shaped blooms of the M. liliflora. The best siting would be an eastern or northern exposure, with wind protection. The exposure will keep the temperatures cooler, which will slow down the bloom time to preserve the flowers. Magnolias are from a more humid environment and our combination of low humidity, harsh wind and intense sunlight can dry the trees during the winter.