#540 Magnolia heptapeta Common Names: Yulan magnolia Family: Magnoliaceae (magnolia Family) Get link to this Profile or click for Datasheet Wallpaper Gallery (1 images)

Download a large version (800x600) of this Yulan magnolia blossom.

With age the rather smooth gray trunk assumes a twisted gnarly appearance that provides winter interest. If left untrimmed Yulan magnolia forms a dense multi-trunked shrub. In fact trees grown in Florida and other hot summer areas tend to be "shrubbier" than those grown in cooler climates. Even when not in bloom Yulan magnolia is attractive due to its pleasing form and large, 7 in (17.8 cm) long leathery leaves.

Location
Yulan magnolia is native to China. This gorgeous tree is enjoyed in landscapes across North America and Europe.

Culture
Adaptable to most soil types.
Light: Enjoys bright sunny conditions but also does well in part shade.
Moisture: Needs supplemental watering during dry periods. Mulch well, especially in areas with hot summers.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6 - 9.
Propagation: Harvest seeds from the "cones" in fall and plant immediately. Can also be propagated by layers in the spring - remove a small strip of bark from a branch, dust with rooting hormone powder, and pin the branch to the ground covering the wound with soil. By the end of the summer roots will have formed. Cut the branch from the mother tree and then transplant or pot.

This ancient Yulan magnolia reaches artfully over a pathway in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

Features
Yulan magnolia is one of our most ornamental deciduous trees. The tree is fairly fast growing and begins blooming when very young. The delicious fragrance is an additional bonus. This magnolia has the advantage of blooming a little later in spring than some of the other deciduous magnolias like the star magnolia M. stellata and saucer magnolia M. x Soulangeana whose buds and blossoms are often clobbered by untimely late freezes. In the southeastern United States the Yulan typically blooms a couple weeks before the dogwood (Cornus florida) trees.

In some references you may see Yulan magnolia identified as M. denudata or M. conspicua, names which are now considered synonyms.

Jack Scheper 03/27/99; updated 3/8/04

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