
A density of blossoms: Tulip Poplar tree in spring
It’s only in early spring that Magnolia Soulangeana blooms in profusion. But when delicate pink blossoms burst forth, that dense, full-on blooming is something not to be missed.

Early morning light offers barely pink, almost purplish color.
As the first pink starts to show, I brave early morning chill to note blooms in their infancy. Sweater weather in East Tennessee with a sweet reward.

Open and reaching out — a Magnolia Soulangeana announces spring in East Tennessee.
I stand underneath a mature tree in our neighborhood hoping to get a sidewise glimpse of lower branch blooms. But mostly, I look upward, noting how barely-there morning light brightens the inner whites ensconced by outer pinks.

Looking closely at white inner petals and the pink veining on outer ones.
It’s a treat we give ourselves, those of us lucky enough to be near a Magnolia Soulangeana (that we locally call a Saucer Magnolia) in early spring. A true reward for getting out and looking up.

My neighborhood treat: a Saucer Magnolia in the spring!
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Tina Schell
My favorite flower, beautifully captured. Ours here in Charleston are the creamy white variety and usually arrive in early May. I always look forward to seeing them bloom
Oh, the Places We See
Those magnolias are the ones we have in our subdivision, too. But this one tree — oh, how I love the flowers. And they only last a few days. Happy springs to you in Charleston!
janaline's world journey
Such beautiful blossoms! I love spring time and the fresh smell of blossoms filling the air.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much! Spring has got to be God’s gift to man — so much beauty in a short span of time. Thanks for taking a look.
Green Global Trek
I LOVE magnolia trees so it was such a treat to see your stunning photos this morning! Their short lived beauty adds to the drama of these magnificent flowers. Your photos are incredible.
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
We love these trees also. Lucky for us, we live in Knoxville where there are distinct Dogwood Arts trails through neighborhoods. If we take the trails before the dogwoods actually pop open, we’re rewarded with some of the early-blooming trees like redbuds and saucer magnolias. It’s been pretty this year!
Madame Zenista
So pretty!!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for taking a look. Although this tree is no longer blooming, the memories are vivid. It’s a pretty spring so far!
Madame Zenista
Oh is it? I am glad you captured it at the right time.
Spring is not fully here for us, so waiting eagerly for some blooms and warmer weather…
Moon
Lovely photos! The last one is the most beautiful.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for visiting Knoxville in the spring with us! Hope it’s pretty where you are, too!
Moon
Not as pretty as your place 🙂
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hilarycustancegreen
Stunningly beautiful, lucky you to have such a specimen so close.
[It looks more like Magnolia Soulangeana to me, grandiflora is usually cream-coloured with wide bowl-like flowers, mehttps://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10699/i-Magnolia-grandiflora-i/Details]
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so right!!! We have huge Southern Magnolias with creamy white flowers — and that may be Magnolia Grandiflora. I Googled “pink blossom trees” and one of the images came up that matched my tree with the name Magnolia Grandiflora. But since you’re noted that my tree is Soulangeana, I’ve found other pics that confirm your name. Thanks!!!!! It’s commonly called Saucer Magnolia round here, and that’s probably what I should have used. But I was trying to be oh, so correct. Didn’t work! Thanks again for setting me straight.
hilarycustancegreen
The internet is a minefield for plant naming and I use it all the time. I just happened to have worked in two places with giant Grandifloras, glad it was useful and that you didn’t mind.
dawnkinster
I was in AL last month where I drove by one of these in full bloom. I kept meaning to take photos but I never did. I’m glad you shared these!
Oh, the Places We See
One thing I’ve learned about spring flowers around here is that you have to jump on photographing them right away. They don’t last! Thanks for taking a look!
The Wandering RVer
So pretty! We are expecting an April Fool’s snow storm this weekend, so I’ll have to keep revisiting this post to remind me spring will come.
Oh, the Places We See
We, too, have had snow in March and April. And just when I’m sick of winter. But, as Percy Bysse Shelley said, “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”
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Jodi
ooooos and aaaaahhs! Such beauty!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for taking a look. This is one of my favorite trees!
Parul Thakur
Gorgeous!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much! Sometimes I wish I were taller so I could get even closer to these blooms. Appreciate you taking time to look at the photos.
Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread
Dense and beautiful. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Judy. I love this tree in my neighborhood. But the blooms last only a few days. I rush out as soon as I think they’ll pop open and come back each day! Hope spring has sprung in your area!