Lily magnolia (mulan) Magnolia liliiflora
Lily magnolia (mulan) (Magnolia liliiflora) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Magnoliaceae family, native to Central and south-western China (long cultivated). It grows 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) tall and 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -26 °C (-15 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Lily magnolia (mulan) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Mature height | 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -26 °C (-15 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and south-western China (long cultivated) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Lily magnolia (mulan) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Magnolias are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lily magnolia (mulan)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Lily magnolia (mulan)
- How far apart should I plant Lily magnolia (mulan)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft).
- Does Lily magnolia (mulan) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lily magnolia (mulan) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Lily magnolia (mulan)?
- It tolerates about -26 °C (-15 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Lily magnolia (mulan) flower?
- From about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Lily magnolia (mulan) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Magnolias are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Lily magnolia (mulan)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lily magnolia (mulan). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Upright, lily-like purple flowers, pale inside; a parent of the saucer magnolia and of the ‘Little Girl’ hybrids. Grown in Chinese temple gardens for over a thousand years.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Southern magnolia Magnolia grandiflora
- Tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera
- Yulan magnolia Magnolia denudata
- Champak Magnolia champaca
- White champaka (champi) Magnolia × alba
- Star magnolia (shidekobushi) Magnolia stellata
- Kobushi magnolia Magnolia kobus