Magnolia 'Butterflies'
Myriad yellow blooms
Grown by Mike's trusted specialists
Europe
Tree in a 4.5L pot
60-90cm inc. pot on arrival
Choose your size
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Currently out of stock
Plant diary
- Flower
- Harvest
Magnolia 'Butterflies'
- Butterflies are one of the most elegant, graceful animals, and this magnolia variety is certainly worthy of that moniker! Producing abundant butter-yellow flowers at the start of spring, 'Butterflies' adds a welcome injection of fresh colour wherever it's planted.
- Boasting delicately fragrant flowers and growing to a height of six metres or so, this impressive variety will look beautiful planted as a feature tree at the heart of a lawn or in a spacious flower bed.
- Like most magnolias, 'Butterflies' flowers on bare stems, preceding the appearance of foliage. Once the flowers have appeared, elliptical leaves will start to emerge, mid-green in colour, wreathing the tree until they fall in the autumn.
- Originally bred in Michigan, USA, this magnolia is one of the earliest varieties to flower and also blooms from a young age.
- You might think such showy flowers would be reflective of a high-maintenance plant, but that couldn't be further from the truth!
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Magnolia 'Butterflies' can be grown in a pot. Use a large container (60cm+) with ericaceous compost. It is suitable long-term if fed well. Protect the roots from freezing below -5°C.
How big does it get?
Magnolia 'Butterflies' reaches a mature height of 5 to 7 metres, with a spread of 3 to 5 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Magnolia 'Butterflies' prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Magnolia 'Butterflies' prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive. Ensure the soil does not freeze below -5°C for optimal root health, applying a 5cm layer of mulch in winter.
How much watering does this plant need?
Magnolia 'Butterflies' requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Magnolia 'Butterflies' should be pruned in late winter or early spring while dormant, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
How hardy is this plant?
Magnolia 'Butterflies' is fully hardy across the UK with an RHS rating of H6, enduring temperatures between -15°C and -20°C.
The wider garden
Europe
Meet Mike's trusted specialists
Start with a touch of continental sun
Over 99% of our plants are grown in the UK, but where that’s not possible, Mike sources the best specialist growers in Europe for the job. Think citrus warmed by Sicilian sun, topiary trained by Dutch masters, almonds nourished in the Dordogne and bamboo bathed in Tuscan heat. Our handpicked growers nurture these plants to maturity before handing over to our team in the Cotswolds, to toughen them up for UK gardens.
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