Buy Magnolia 'Butterflies'

Also Known As

Magnolia acuminata x denudata 'Butterflies'
Butterflies Magnolia

Plant type

tree

size

H: 15'-30'
W: 10'-20'

planting zones

5a-9b

1 gallon bagged root ball | $111

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30 at Gossler Farms

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Magnolia 'Butterflies' plant details

Magnolia 'Butterflies' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Magnolia 'Butterflies'

Plant type: tree
Plant family: magnoliaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 10 FT - 20 FT - wide, 15 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Magnolia 'Butterflies'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

‘Butterflies’ is a deciduous hybrid magnolia resulting from a cross between M. acuminata and M. denudata. It is noted for its profuse bloom of non-fading yellow flowers, late vegetative growth, compact pyramidal form and hardiness to both heat and cold. It typically grows as an upright, pyramidal tree to 18-20 feet tall. Upright, tulip-like, yellow flowers (to 4-5 inches across) bloom in early spring and have a light lemon oil aroma. Dark green leaves. For the 2025 Rare Flowering Tree Pre-Order plants will be in 1g pots and about 1-2 feet tall.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

is a Phil Savage hybrid so it's got to be wonderful. Phil would only name his very best magnolias. If they had problems, they were eliminated. M. 'Butterflies' has small (3-4”) rich golden flowers covering the bare branches in March.

By: Gossler Farms

3-4 inch star-shaped, fragrant flowers appear in early spring before it leafs out. Planted with a dark background will make those yellow flowers even more dramatic.

By: Bloom River Gardens

Deciduous, upright, medium-sized tree with large, delightfully fragrant buttery-yellow flowers with red stamens. These appear in mid-spring before the dark green foliage emerges and resemble butterflies alighting on the branches. (M. acuminata 'Fertile Myrtle' x M. denudata) Growth Rate fast, 12"+ annually

By: Garden World

An upright, spreading small tree with abundant flowers of pleasing yellow color. If spring is warm, flowers tend toward a cream color.

By: Heritage Seedlings

Lovely rich (the deepest yet!) 3-4"yellow flowers of 10-16 tepals appear on this small tree before the leaves. MedM.acuminata x M.denduata 'Sawada' s Cream', this was bred by Phil Savage. S-PSh/Med PPatent7456

By: Forestfarm

Yellow, fragrant, flowers on top of bare branches (like butterflies.) in spring, deciduous. Deer resistant. USDA Zones 5-8.

By: Lael's Moon Garden

Maybe the best of the yellow flowering cultivars, it is a small tree with deep yellow goblet flowers. Zone 5.

By: Whitman Farms

Savage hybrid of M. acuminata x M. denudata 'Sawada's Cream'. Long awaited, and worth the wait! This deciduous, upright tree, featuring 3-4" deep yellow flowers with 10-16 tepals and red stamens. Blooms young and flowers midspring. Reaching a 10-year height of 15' with less spread; 'Butterflies' forms a 25-30' tree at maturity. It is reported to be hardy below -20oF. US Patent #7456.