Magnolia acuminata x denudata 'Butterflies'

Common Name:
Butterflies Magnolia

Description:
Magnolia acuminata x denudata 'Butterflies' is a highly sought-after deciduous hybrid magnolia prized for its exceptional lemon-yellow flowers that appear in profusion during late winter to early spring, before the foliage emerges. Unlike many yellow magnolias, 'Butterflies' stands out for its upright, tulip-shaped blooms that hold their colour well and do not fade to cream. The flowers are lightly fragrant, adding to the sensory appeal of this ornamental tree. This cultivar thrives in Melbourne’s temperate climate, performing best in a sunny to partially shaded position with protection from harsh winds. It prefers a deep, fertile, well-drained soil with regular watering during establishment and dry spells. 'Butterflies' is a slow to moderate grower, developing a tidy, upright pyramidal shape that makes it suitable for compact gardens, feature planting, or even as part of a flowering screen. In autumn, its large, green leaves turn golden-yellow, providing another layer of seasonal interest.

Form:

• Tree – Small

• Tree – Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 4–6 metres

• Width: 3–4 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Late Winter

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Lemon Yellow

Key Attributes:

• Scented Flowers

• Suitable for Pots (when young or dwarf grafted)

• Suitable for Hedging (in informal, flowering screens)

• Suitable for Espalier (with pruning and training)

• Perennial

• Bee Attracting

• Deciduous

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or animals

Companion Plants:

• Camellia sasanqua

• Rhododendron

• Helleborus

• Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

• Pieris japonica

For more information and photos of this species, Warners Nursery has detailed information available to the public here