This deciduous large shrub to small tree has a greyish trunk with ascending branches that form a rounded crown. It has leathery dark green broad elliptical leaves and the saucer-shaped pale pink flowers appear before the foliage in spring.   

Hardiness zones 7 to 9 

Magnolia dawsoniana is naturally found in China growing in western Sichuan in woodlands but is rare in its native habitat. It prefers a well drained organic rich moist soil that is acidic tending neutral in a wind protected sunny to semi shaded position and is frost tolerant but drought tender. 

Dawson's Magnolia is grown for its flowers and upright habit. It is planted as a lawn specimen or used in shrub borders in parks or gardens. It is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions establishing in 3 to 4 years. It is also planted in cottage gardens or commercial sites. ID 3034

Magnolia (mag-NO-lee-uh) dawsoniana (dor-SON-ee-ana)

Magnoliaceae (mag-NOL-ee-AY-see-ee)