Magnolia denudata ‘Yellow River’ (Yulan Magnolia)

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.

Magnolia belongs to the Magnoliaceae family, which includes several popular species such as the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata), Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana), and Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).

• 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