Yulan magnolia is a tree native to China and grown in US gardens. Its large, fragrant white flowers bloom before the leaves in early spring. It is a parent of the familiar saucer magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana).
Appearance
Growth form
A tree, often multi-stemmed, with a rounded crown; it can reach 30–40 ft (9–12 m) tall and about as wide.
Leaves
Oval leaves 4–6 in (10–15 cm) long, wider toward the tip, appear after the flowers.
Flowers
Upright, tulip- or cup-shaped flowers 5–6 in (13–15 cm) across, creamy to ivory white, sometimes blushed pink at the base, with a lemony scent.
Flowering time
Blooms in late winter to early spring, before the leaves come out. Late spring frosts can damage the blooms, so a sheltered spot helps.
Fruit
A long, knobby, cone-like cluster of seed pods that ripens in late summer to early fall.
Kobus magnolia has smaller, more open white flowers; Yulan magnolia holds its larger flowers upright like cups.
Where it lives
Typical habitats
gardens
parks
yards
arboretums
Range
Native to central and eastern China. In the US it is grown as a garden tree.
Preferred conditions
Hardy in USDA zones 6–8. Likes full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter; it dislikes very dry or soggy ground and city pollution.
Flowering
Flowers Mar–Apr
JFMAMJJASOND
Flowers
Flowers Mar–Apr
Life cycle
Seed dispersal
Seeds with red coats dangle on thin threads, and birds are drawn to them.
Connected species
Ties with other wildlife
Butterflies visit the flowers and birds eat the seeds.