Yulan Magnolia

Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata 'Yulan') opens pure white goblet flowers on bare branches at the end of winter, before a single leaf appears. It settles at around 7m tall and 5m wide over ten to fifteen years, a real tree that still fits a suburban block. The flowers are scented, and the roots are non-invasive enough to plant near paving.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers on bare wood. The display arrives while the tree is leafless, so the whole canopy reads white from the street.
• Genuine fragrance. A clean lemony scent, strongest on a still morning, that carries further than most tree flowers.
• A size that fits. About 7m by 5m suits a front lawn or a courtyard corner rather than acreage.
• Roots that stay out of trouble. Non-invasive, so it can sit close to a path, a driveway or a fence.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Give it open lawn or paving so the winter flowering is seen from a distance and the bare branch structure stays visible.

Small gardens. The modest spread lets it be the single tree in a compact garden, and it casts dappled shade rather than shutting a bed down.

Driveways and avenues. For a matched run, space trees about 6m apart so each canopy holds its own shape at full width.

Growing Yulan Magnolia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light morning shade, sheltered from wind that would shred the open flowers. This is a tree for cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It is frost hardy, but the subtropics and tropics lack the winter chill it needs, so gardeners north of about Coffs Harbour should look elsewhere.

Soil. Deep, humus rich and slightly acidic. It is more forgiving of damp ground than most magnolias and tolerates wet feet, though it still wants soil that drains rather than sits.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then weekly in dry weather. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring, and keep 75mm of mulch clear of the trunk.

Pruning. Almost none. Take out damaged or crossing wood in late spring after flowering and leave the rest, since magnolias heal large cuts slowly and lose next year's buds when cut hard.

What to expect when it arrives

We grow it in two advanced sizes, a 45L and a 400mm pot. Both are established trees with a clear leading stem and a formed head, usually old enough to flower within a season or two of planting rather than making you wait five years.

A winter delivery may arrive leafless, which is normal for a deciduous magnolia and not a fault. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete guide to magnolia care in Australia
• Compare the full magnolia range
• Browse deciduous trees
• Trees with non-invasive roots

Common questions

How big will it actually get?

About 7m tall and 5m wide over ten to fifteen years in a home garden. Old specimens go taller in ideal conditions, but that is a lifetime away and easily managed by choosing the right spot now.

Will it flower in a warm climate?

It flowers reliably in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In subtropical and tropical areas the winter is too mild to set a proper bud, so flowering is sparse or absent.

Can frost damage the flowers?

The tree is frost hardy, but a hard frost while the buds are open will brown the petals for that season. Planting on the sheltered side of a wall or hedge removes most of the risk.

How fast does it grow?

Steady rather than quick, roughly 30 to 50cm a year once established and slower in the first two seasons. Reliable summer moisture makes more difference than feeding.