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Magnolia denudata ‘Yellow River’ (Yulan Magnolia)

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A new variety from China, Magnolia denudata ‘Yellow River’ also known as ‘Fei Huang’, is a small deciduous tree with exquisite, sweetly fragrant, buttery-yellow flowers. Upright and goblet-shaped when borne, the large flowers, 6 in. long (15 cm), gracefully open their tepals as they mature, resembling lilies. Rich with a fruity fragrance, they fade to creamy white over time while keeping their rich butter-yellow coloration at their base. The blooms appear on naked branches in mid to late spring before the ovate, and fresh green leaves unfurl. Since it flowers late in the season, its pretty blossoms rarely run the risk of damage from late frosts. Like its parent, Magnolia denudata, ‘Yellow River’ creates a dramatic scene in the spring garden and makes a wonderful specimen tree. Slow-growing, this hybrid Magnolia is ideal for small gardens.

  • Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall and wide (3-5 m)
  • Full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline soils are also suitable for growth. Magnolias are adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils, but most grow poorly in wet or poorly drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds, as cold winds may damage buds and flowers. Late frosts may damage flower buds too.
  • May be attacked by capsid bugs, snails, horse chestnut scales, coral spots, gray mold, and honey fungus.
  • Spectacular as a specimen plant for dramatic spring blooms. Great flowering tree for city gardens or cottage gardens.
  • Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
  • Deciduous Magnolias are best planted when dormant, in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring. For the first 6 to 12 months after planting, both types will benefit from mulch and regular irrigation during warm or dry weather.
  • Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to fall

Magnolia Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for a magnolia tree like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of this striking tree

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 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 Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Magnoliaceae
Genus Magnolia
Common names Lily Tree, Magnolia, Yulan Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Magnolia sieboldii (Oyama Magnolia)
Magnolia tripetala (Umbrella Magnolia)
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ (Southern Magnolia)
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Exmouth’ (Southern Magnolia)
Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Kay Parris’ (Southern Magnolia)

Recommended Companion Plants

Cyclamen coum (Persian Violet)
Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
Hyacinthoides hispanica ‘Excelsior’ (Spanish Bluebells)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Bloom In Fall
Small Trees and Shrubs That Bloom In Winter
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
Magnolia
37 Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy and Year-Round Interest
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
Anise Magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia)
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)
Loebner Magnolia (Magnolia x loebneri)
Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata)
Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)
Best Companion Plants for Camellias
Pretty Magnolia trees and Shrubs for Small Gardens
Favorite Yellow Magnolia Trees for Your Garden
Popular Types of Magnolia Shrubs and Trees
Magnolia Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 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 Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Magnoliaceae
Genus Magnolia
Common names Lily Tree, Magnolia, Yulan Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Magnolia
Not sure which Magnolia to pick?
Compare Now

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