Butterflies Magnolia
Magnolia 'Butterflies'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
240 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
40-60 years
Native To
Garden origin
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Deciduous magnolias are small to medium-sized trees celebrated for their spectacular, often fragrant flowers that emerge in spring before the leaves, creating a stunning display. 'Butterflies' is considered one of the finest yellow-flowered magnolias. It produces a profusion of rich, canary-yellow, tulip-shaped flowers that are held upright on the branches and have a light, pleasant fragrance.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun to part shade and rich, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Gently tease out any circling roots before placing in the hole.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil.
- Backfill with soil, water thoroughly to settle.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.
Pro Tip
Plant in a spot protected from strong winds to prolong the life of the delicate spring flowers.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during the first few years.
- Mulch annually to protect the shallow root system.
- Choose your planting site carefully; magnolias dislike being transplanted.
- Protect from late spring frosts which can damage the flowers.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay or very dry, sandy soil.
- Avoid deep cultivation around the base of the tree to protect shallow roots.
- Do not perform heavy pruning; it can ruin the natural shape.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaves over flowers.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Butterflies Magnolia questions
What zones can Butterflies Magnolia grow in?
Butterflies Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Butterflies Magnolia deer resistant?
Yes — Butterflies Magnolia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Butterflies Magnolia bloom?
Butterflies Magnolia typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Butterflies Magnolia need full sun?
Butterflies Magnolia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Magnolia to compare
Felix Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora 'Felix'
Saucer Magnolia Ann
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Ann'
Daybreak Loebner Magnolia
Magnolia stellata 'Daybreak'
Coppertallica Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Coppertallica'
Black Tulip Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip'
Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
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Grow Butterflies Magnolia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
