Magnolias ‘Butterflies’ is a medium-size cultivar of magnolia. Developed by Philip Savage by crossing the ‘Fertile Myrtle’ and the ‘Sawada’s Cream’, the magnolias ‘Butterflies’ is one of the earliest yellow Magnolias. It is beloved by gardeners for its low maintenance and long life expectancy.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Regarded as one of the earliest and finest yellow-flowered Magnolias, Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is an upright, pyramidal, deciduous shrub or tree of breathtaking beauty in full bloom. Masses of tulip-shaped, rich canary yellow flowers, 4-5 in. across (10-13 cm), appear in mid-spring before the new leaves unfurl.
Held upright, each sunny bloom is adorned with red stamens and counts up to 10-16 tepals. Rich with a lemon fragrance, the flowers bloom profusely, smothering the naked branches for about 7-9 days. After the tepals have fallen, the foliage of oblong-elliptic, dark green leaves emerges and remains attractive throughout the growing season.
Thriving in both the cold and the heat, ‘Butterflies’ may be cultivated as a small tree or a multi-stemmed shrub. In all scenarios, it will add outstanding interest to the spring landscape, in your flower beds, as a border plant, or as a flowering tree or hedge.
‘Butterflies’ is a hybrid Magnolia resulting from a cross between M. acuminata and M. denudata.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
The positioning of your magnolias ‘Butterflies’ is also an important consideration. Despite being able to cope with cooler climates, they will prefer a sunny spot in the garden with some partial shade for protection during the summer months.
Temperature
To avoid damaging early flowering buds, keep magnolias ‘Butterflies’ in its preferred moderate to warm temperatures. Most varieties can withstand weather conditions in hardiness zones 4-9. Magnolias ‘Butterflies’ should only need watering as younger, newly planted trees, or during periods of drought. You can also help your tree retain moisture with a layer of mulch around its base.
Watering
Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, magnolias ‘Butterflies’ has adapted to the humid environments typical of its native habitat. This species is characterized by a preference for consistent moisture and exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established. Care should include watering twice a week to maintain its hydration needs. As an outdoor plant known for its striking springtime blooms, magnolias ‘Butterflies’ benefits significantly from increased watering during its flowering period to support the development of its vibrant yellow blossoms.
Soil
Magnolias ‘Butterflies’ prefers acidic soils, which is important to consider if you are gardening in alkaline soil such as clay or chalk. Add a layer of peat when planting your magnolias ‘Butterflies’ to help raise acidity levels. In areas where soil remains wet, particularly during the winter months, this is no reason to worry: magnolias ‘Butterflies’ can happily cope with compact, rich soil.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, fertilize magnolias ‘Butterflies’ in spring with high-nitrogen fertilizer, facilitating lush foliage, and switch to a balanced fertilizer post-flowering to support overall health. Apply quarterly, in moderation to prevent root burn. Adjust for growth stages—less as the plant matures. Use slow-release granules for sustained nourishment. Remember, over-fertilization impedes magnolias ‘Butterflies”s flourishing, prioritize precise measurements.
Planting Instructions
The best time to plant young magnolias ‘Butterflies’ is during the spring. Plants should be kept well-watered, and benefit from the addition of organic matter or pre-mixed fertilizer to promote strong, healthy growth. This should be mixed in with the soil around the roots of new plants. Be sure to choose a location with plenty of room for your plant to grow.
Pruning
Magnolias ‘Butterflies’ requires little pruning. In fact, pruning can harm the trees or prevent flowering if pruned back too hard. Therefore, a light trim of younger trees during late spring/summer after they have finished blooming is all that is recommended to help shape your plant and to encourage more blooms in the coming years. Remove any damaged branches and ones that are crossing over. You can also trim back any extra-long, leggy shoots. Consider the tree shape when pruning your magnolias ‘Butterflies’, and always aim for a balanced, open structure.
Propagation
Magnolias ‘Butterflies’ is effectively propagated through cuttings, utilizing semi-hardwood material. Prepare the cuttings from healthy parent plants, ensuring each has at least one set of leaves for photosynthesis and a node to initiate roots. Treat with rooting hormone to encourage growth and place in a moist, well-draining medium. Maintain a humid environment while roots establish, typically seen as new growth at the top. Transplant with care once the roots are hardy, minimizing disturbance to foster a smooth transition to garden beds or pots.
Transplanting
The quintessential period to transplant magnolias ‘Butterflies’ spans from the rejuvenating warmth of late spring to the balmy onset of early summer. Choose a luminous spot with welldrained soil. Aim for a locale bathed in gentle sunlight, facilitating the transition with care.
III. Uses and Benefits
Spectacular as a specimen plant for dramatic spring blooms. It is great flowering tree for city gardens or cottage gardens.
