How to Grow a Butterfly Magnolia Tree

Most varieties of magnolia have pink or white flowers.

Grown as a small tree with a central leader or a multi-stemmed shrub, butterfly magnolia (Magnolia acuminata x M. denudata) is one of the few true yellow-flowered magnolia varieties. The fragrant, cup-shaped flowers bloom in mid to late spring. The leaves are light green with downy undersides and the lower branches arch over and sometimes touch the ground. Butterfly magnolia trees grow into an oval or rounded shape as they age. Plant in early spring in well-drained soil.

Things You'll Need

• Garden spade
• Pruning clippers
• Insecticide

Instructions

1. Clear weeds and sod from a spot in full sun to partial shade. The soil should be moist and well-drained, for optimal growth. Ensure there is adequate room for its mature size of 15 to 30 feet high and 15 to 30 feet wide.

2. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball with a shovel. Insert the root ball into the hole and back fill with soil, firming it down gently with your foot.

3. Water the newly-planted magnolia with a slow-running hose placed near its main stem for about 90 minutes. Thereafter, provide with the equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall per week for its first two growing seasons in your yard, After that, magnolias shouldn't need supplemental irrigation except in times of extreme drought.

4. Prune magnolia in either late winter or late summer, to prevent its sap from bleeding. Do not prune heavily; prune only to maintain the overall shape of the tree or to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches.

5. Check for insect pests such as scale, thrips or weevils. Treat any pests with insecticide as needed to control them, following the directions of the insecticide manufacturer.

References

• University of Florida Extension: Magnolias
• "Fine Gardening" Magazine: Magnolia 'Butterflies'