About
Magnolia denudata, the yulan, is a large, deciduous, spreading shrub or small tree to around 9 m with mid-green leaves and perfumed, pure-white flowers with broad, thick, fleshy tepals � goblet-shaped at first then opening wide � appearing in spring before the leaves. One of the most beautiful and elegant of all magnolias for a sheltered, moist garden.
About the genus
Magnolia are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with large, showy and often fragrant flowers that frequently open before the leaves emerge, and sometimes followed by colourful, cone-like fruiting heads. Among the most spectacular of all flowering trees and shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. Further magnolia cultivation advice
PruningMinimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, horse chestnut scale and capsid bug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot