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Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia

Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia

Most loved for its large, goblet-shaped white flowers opening on bare branches in late winter, one of the earliest and most reliable displays in the garden.

Regular price $700.00
Sale price $700.00 Regular price
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Size: 100L
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Pot size
100L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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Size / batchEachQuantity
100LApprox. height: Approx. 1.6m – 2.7m$700.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 1.2m – 2.9m$320.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Magnolia denudata

    Magnolia denudata, the Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree from central China carrying goblet-shaped, creamy white flowers on bare branches in late winter and early spring. The flowers are lightly fragrant. It is also sold as the White Lily Magnolia or Lily Tree, and has been grown in Chinese gardens for well over a thousand years.

    It prefers full sun to part shade and rich, moist, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Cool temperate and warm temperate districts suit it best. It handles light to moderate frost once established, though a sheltered spot protects the early flowers from wind and harsh afternoon sun. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 60 centimetres a year.

    Mature trees reach 5 to 8 metres tall and 4 to 6 metres wide, so allow room in a front garden, a lawn or a large border. It reads well in formal, classic and cottage schemes, in courtyards and heritage gardens, and in civic planting where a winter-flowering tree lifts an otherwise bare season. The display arrives every year without fuss, and the bare branch framework carries the garden through the colder months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Yulan Magnolia

    What is the Yulan Magnolia?

    It is Magnolia denudata, a deciduous Chinese tree carrying goblet shaped creamy white flowers on bare branches in late winter and early spring. It is also sold as the White Lily Magnolia or Lily Tree. The flowers are lightly fragrant and appear before any foliage. It is one of the oldest magnolias in cultivation and is valued for the reliability of its display.

    How big does Magnolia denudata grow?

    Mature trees typically reach 5 to 8 metres tall and 4 to 6 metres wide, forming a broad, rounded canopy. Growth is slow to moderate, so it takes many years to fill that space. Allow 3 to 4 metres between it and any structure, and more if you want the full spreading shape.

    How fast does it grow?

    Around 30 to 60 centimetres a year in good conditions, which is steady rather than rapid. Water and soil quality drive it more than anything else. A well mulched tree with reliable moisture through summer sits at the upper end of that range, while one in compacted or dry ground will be slower.

    When does it flower?

    Late winter into early spring, generally August to September in temperate districts, with flowering earlier in warm gardens and later in cold ones. Blooms open on leafless branches over two to three weeks. Because it flowers so early, wind and heavy rain during that window will shorten the display.

    Is it frost tolerant?

    Yes, it handles light to moderate frost once established and is well suited to cool temperate gardens. The flowers are more vulnerable than the wood, so an early frost can mark open blooms. A position sheltered from cold wind and harsh afternoon sun gives the best result year after year.

    Is it evergreen or deciduous?

    Deciduous. It loses its leaves through autumn and stands bare over winter, which is exactly what makes the flowering effective, since nothing competes with the blooms. The bare branch framework is attractive in its own right. Soft green leaves emerge after the flowers finish and hold until the following autumn.

    Does it have invasive roots?

    No. Magnolia roots are fleshy and relatively shallow but they are not aggressive and rarely cause damage to paving, pipes or footings. The practical issue is the opposite, since the shallow root system dries out quickly and dislikes disturbance. Keep digging and cultivation under the canopy to a minimum.

    Where does it grow best in Australia?

    It performs best in cool temperate and warm temperate districts, so Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT, the New South Wales tablelands, Adelaide and cooler parts of southern Queensland all suit it. Sheltered subtropical gardens can grow it with adequate moisture. It is not suited to hot arid inland areas or heavy tropical humidity.

    How do I prune it?

    Very little pruning is needed. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late spring after flowering, cutting back to a branch junction rather than leaving stubs. Magnolias heal slowly, so avoid large cuts and never top the tree. Shape the framework in the first few years and then leave it be.

    How do I care for it?

    Plant in rich, moist, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter and top up the mulch each year. Water deeply through summer, especially in the first three years, since the roots are shallow and dry out quickly. Feed in early spring with an organic fertiliser and keep the tree out of strong wind.

    Foliage

    Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Upright
    • Rounded
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    Mature height
    5m to 8m
    Mature width
    4m to 6m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate).

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, keep the root zone consistently moist with weekly deep watering and additional water during hot dry spells.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for scale or sooty mould in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia in Different Soil

    Magnolia denudata performs best in rich, well-drained loam with a slightly acidic pH and consistent moisture. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage and organic matter are managed well.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining but enrich heavily with compost and mulch deeply to hold moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost, and mound slightly to lift the root zone.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent flowering.

    pH: Slightly acidic preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter or pine bark to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Feature Tree
    • Council or Civic Landscapes

    Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia works in an:

    • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 5m to 8m

    Mature Width: 4m to 6m

    Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate).

    Growth Rate of Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia

    Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (moderate).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia

    Is Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia frost tolerant?

    Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia Flower?

    Magnolia denudata produces large, pure white, lily-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. The blooms appear on bare branches before the foliage emerges, creating a striking, sculptural display with a light, sweet fragrance that signals the start of the flowering season.

    Does Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Winter
    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Fragrant
    • Pollinator-attracting

    Flower Colour:

    White

    Is Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia is Native to Central and eastern China, where Magnolia denudata grows naturally in temperate woodlands and mountain regions.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia ?

    Its nectar-rich early blooms attract bees and other pollinators emerging at the end of winter. The branch structure offers shelter and perching sites for small birds, while the broad leaves help create a cool understory that supports insects and microfauna throughout the growing season.

    How much Sunlight does Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia need?

    Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Magnolia denudata performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic loam or sandy loam soils. It may struggle in alkaline, compacted or waterlogged ground unless improved with organic matter to enhance structure and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then maintain deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support steady growth, healthy foliage and its signature early-season flowering.

    Is Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia Drought Tolerant?

    Is Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it requires consistent watering, and even once established Magnolia denudata has moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in moist, well-drained soils and benefits from deep, occasional watering during hot or dry periods to maintain healthy foliage, bud development and reliable flowering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: When does Magnolia denudata flower?
    A: It flowers from late winter through early spring, before the leaves appear.

    Q: How tall does it grow?
    A: Mature trees reach approximately 5–8 metres tall with a 4–6 metre spread.

    Q: Is it frost tolerant?
    A: Yes, it tolerates frost once established.

    Q: Does it have a fragrance?
    A: Yes, the creamy-white blooms have a light, sweet fragrance.

    Compare sizes side by side

    100L

    Approx. 1.6m – 2.7m

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 1.2m – 2.9m

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Magnolia denudata is loved for its large, goblet-shaped white flowers opening on bare branches in late winter, one of the earliest and most reliable displays in the garden.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Magnolia denudata – Yulan Magnolia With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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