Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata)

Yulan Magnolia, Lily Tree, Lilytree, Naked Magnolia, Slender Magnolia, Magnolia heptapeta

Native to China, Magnolia denudata, also called Yulan Magnolia or Lily Tree, was probably the first magnolia cultivated around 4,000 years ago. Beloved for its pure white, elegant flowers, it was regarded as early as 650 AD by Buddhist monks in China as a symbol of purity, and its exquisite flowers were a gift worthy of an emperor.

Magnolia denudata is one of the most important species in Chinese horticulture, being cultivated for over a thousand years. It is one of the parent plants of the popular hybrid Magnolia x soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia).

What is Yulan Magnolia?

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as Yulan magnolia or Lily Tree, is native to central and eastern China. A member of the Magnoliaceae family, it’s known for its elegant, fragrant flowers and stately presence in the landscape.

Habit and Size: Magnolia denudata is a large deciduous shrub or small tree with a pyramidal to rounded shape. It typically matures to 30-40 feet (9-12 meters) tall and wide, with a straight trunk and branching that forms a canopy similar to a broad pyramid.
Flowers: The tree is known for its large, fragrant, cup-shaped, creamy white flowers, reaching up to 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter. The flowers are generally 9-12 petaled and exude an attractive, light lemon fragrance. The flowers are followed by brownish cone-like fruits that produce bright red-coated seeds by late summer to early fall.
Blooming Season: Yulan magnolia typically blooms in late winter to early spring before the new leaves emerge. The flowers, however, are frost-sensitive and can be damaged by late frosts.
Foliage: The leaves are oblong to oval, medium to dark green. They can be up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.
Hardiness: Yulan magnolia is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Uses: It is often used as a single specimen plant due to its dramatic flowering, but can also be used in small groups in large landscapes. It’s also an excellent choice for large gardens, parks, and near patios for its fragrance.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees and butterflies. Birds are attracted to the seeds.
Deer and Rabbit: While not entirely resistant, Yulan magnolia is not a preferred browse for deer.

Why Should I Grow a Yulan Magnolia Tree?

There are several compelling reasons to grow a Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata) tree:

Showy, Fragrant Flowers: One of the main attractions of the Yulan Magnolia is its large, creamy white, fragrant flowers. These flowers not only give off a pleasing fragrance, but their appearance is also quite dramatic and can add significant visual appeal to your landscape.
Spring Bloom: Yulan Magnolia is among the early bloomers in spring, providing a refreshing sight even before most other plants have started to flower. This early bloom can be a great way to welcome the new growing season.
Architectural Interest: With its pyramidal to rounded shape and straight trunk, the Yulan Magnolia adds architectural interest to your landscape. Even when not in bloom, it can serve as a focal point in your garden.
History and Symbolism: In China, where it is native, the Yulan Magnolia has been cultivated for over a thousand years and is considered a symbol of purity. Planting one can provide a connection to this rich history and cultural symbolism.
Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract bees and butterflies and the seeds attract birds, contributing to the biodiversity in your garden.
Moderate Size: Reaching between 30-40 feet in height, it is an ideal choice for garden enthusiasts who desire the magnificence of a tree without it overtaking their entire space.

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 9
Heat Zones	6 - 9
Climate Zones	3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Trees
Genus	Magnolia
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early) Winter
Height	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)
Spread	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts	Butterflies, Birds, Bees
Landscaping Ideas	Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Beautiful Yulan Magnolias

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early)
Height	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)
Spread	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early) Winter
Height	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)
Spread	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)

Garden Design with Yulan Magnolia

Designing a garden with a Yulan Magnolia as a focal point can provide year-round interest and a dramatic splash of early spring color. Here are some ideas on how you might incorporate this tree into your garden design:

Specimen Plant: Due to its size, shape, and stunning spring bloom, the Yulan Magnolia makes a fantastic specimen tree. Plant it in a central location where it can be viewed from multiple angles.
Blossom Framing: You might consider placing the tree where its early spring blossoms can be seen from a window, thus offering a beautiful spring view from inside your home.
Underplanting: Underplant the Yulan Magnolia with shade-tolerant plants that can complement its shape and color. Consider using hostas, ferns, or groundcovers like vinca.
Spring Garden: Use Yulan Magnolia as a key feature in a spring-focused garden, accompanied by other early bloomers such as daffodils, hyacinths, or tulips to create a symphony of spring colors.
Moon Garden: As the flowers of the Yulan Magnolia are white, they reflect moonlight and stand out in the dusk and evening hours. Incorporating this tree into a moon garden design with other night-blooming or white-flowered plants can create a stunning nighttime landscape.

Remember that the Yulan Magnolia is a moderate-sized tree, so ensure you provide enough space for it to grow. It is also crucial to consider soil conditions and sunlight; Yulan Magnolia prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun to partial shade.

Companion Plants

The Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata) stands out in the garden, but companion plants can complement its stunning spring flowers and bring multi-season interest. Here are some companion plants to consider:

Spring Bulbs: Early spring bulbs like Daffodils, Tulips, Crocuses can complement the Yulan Magnolia’s early bloom and add a carpet of color beneath the tree.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons: These spring-flowering shrubs can provide a beautiful contrast to the Yulan Magnolia’s white blooms, especially if you choose varieties with pink, red or purple flowers.
Hostas: These are excellent shade-tolerant plants to grow under the canopy of the magnolia, as they enjoy similar soil conditions. They add a nice contrast with their broad, green leaves.
Ferns: Shade-loving ferns can also be planted beneath the Yulan Magnolia. Their delicate foliage contrasts nicely with the larger magnolia leaves and white flowers.
Hydrangeas: These are beautiful summer-flowering shrubs that enjoy similar growing conditions to the Yulan Magnolia. Choose a variety like Hydrangea macrophylla for big, bold flowers that will take over the show once the magnolia has finished blooming.
Understory Trees and Shrubs: Consider smaller flowering trees and shrubs like Dogwood (Cornus) or Camellia to extend the blooming season and add depth to the landscape design.
Groundcovers: Vinca minor or Pachysandra terminalis can cover the ground beneath the magnolia, providing a low-maintenance option that also keeps weeds at bay.

When choosing companion plants, remember to consider their needs for light, soil, and water to ensure they are compatible with the conditions where your Yulan Magnolia is planted.

Companion Plants for Yulan Magnolia

Narcissi (Daffodils)

Tulips

Hyacinthus orientalis (Dutch Hyacinth)

Astilbe

Hosta (Plantain Lily)

Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)

Azalea and Rhododendron

Crocus vernus (Dutch Crocus)

Camellias

Growing Tips

Growing a Yulan Magnolia successfully involves a few key steps:

Site Selection: Yulan Magnolias prefer a location with full sun to partial shade. However, in hot climates, it’s best to provide afternoon shade. An ideal location would also be sheltered from strong winds, as they can damage the large flowers.
Soil: These magnolias thrive in well-draining soil. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil, as long as it drains well. The soil should ideally be slightly acidic.
Planting: When planting a Yulan Magnolia, the hole should be twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently around the roots.
Watering: After planting, water thoroughly, ensuring the soil settles around the roots. Yulan Magnolias need regular watering, especially in dry periods, but don’t tolerate waterlogging. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Pruning: Yulan Magnolias require little pruning. If necessary, prune just after the tree has bloomed to remove dead or damaged wood or shape the tree.
Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
Pests and Diseases: The Yulan magnolia is generally pest and disease resistant, although it may encounter issues with capsid bugs, snails, and horse chestnut scales. Some possible diseases to watch for are coral spots, gray mold, and honey fungus. Overall, it is a relatively trouble-free tree to grow.

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.