Culture
Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Generally intolerant of soil extremes (dry or wet). Intolerant of most urban pollutants. Flowers may be injured by late spring frosts. St. Louis is on the northern edge of the growing range for this magnolia, so consider planting it in a location protected from winter winds. May take 6-7 years before first blooms appear.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Magnolia denudata is native to eastern and southern China, Yulan magnolia is a small deciduous tree that typically grows 30-40’ tall with a rounded spreading crown. It is also sometimes grown as a large shrub. Obovate leaves (to 6” long) are dark green above and light green below. Fragrant goblet-shaped white flowers (to 4-6” across), typically with 9 thick white petals, bloom in spring. Flowers bloom before the leaves emerge.Flowers give way to cone-like fruits that mature to red in late summer, releasing individual red coated seeds suspended on slender threads at maturity. This species has been grown in Chinese gardens for at least 1000 years.
Synonymous with and formely known as Magnolia heptapeta.
Genus name honors Pierre Magnol, French botanist (1638-1715).
Specific epithet means bare or naked as the tree flowers before the leaves emerge.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Beautiful small specimen flowering tree for lawns.