Yulan magnolia Magnolia denudata
Yulan magnolia (Magnolia denudata) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Magnoliaceae family, native to Central and eastern China. It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 7–12 m (23–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Yulan magnolia in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Yulan magnolia at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 7–12 m (23–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and eastern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Yulan magnolia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Yulan magnolia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Yulan magnolia in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (1 plants)
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (4 plants)
- China National Botanical Garden (5 plants)
- Fairy Lake Botanical Garden (2 plants)
Questions about Yulan magnolia
- How far apart should I plant Yulan magnolia?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 7–12 m (23–39 ft).
- Does Yulan magnolia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yulan magnolia need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Yulan magnolia?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Yulan magnolia flower?
- From about March for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yulan magnolia 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. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Yulan magnolia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yulan magnolia. 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, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Grown at Buddhist temples for over 1,300 years; fragrant white cups on bare branches in early spring (frost can brown them).
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
- Champak Magnolia champaca
- White champaka (champi) Magnolia × alba
- Star magnolia (shidekobushi) Magnolia stellata
- Lily magnolia (mulan) Magnolia liliiflora
- Kobushi magnolia Magnolia kobus