Magnolia Butterflies - 30cm Pot

Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is a beautiful deciduous magnolia prized for its rare buttery-yellow flowers and compact upright habit. Grafted for improved vigour and performance, this elegant variety produces masses of fragrant, tulip-shaped blooms on bare branches in late winter and early spring, creating a stunning display before the foliage emerges. Its manageable size makes it an outstanding feature tree for smaller Melbourne gardens and courtyards.

The large flowers, measuring up to 15cm across, are a rich buttery yellow and lightly fragrant, bringing welcome colour to the garden when little else is in bloom. As flowering finishes, lush deep green leaves emerge to form a dense canopy that provides cooling shade through summer before falling in autumn. The unusual flower colour and neat growth habit make 'Butterflies' one of the most distinctive deciduous magnolias available.

With its compact size and non-invasive root system, this variety is ideal for planting close to the home, in front gardens or as a standout specimen in smaller landscapes. It also combines beautifully with other winter and spring flowering favourites such as Camellias, Azaleas and Hellebores.

Mature size: approximately 3 metres high × 2 metres wide

Care & Growing Tips
Plant in a full sun to part shade position. In Melbourne, a sheltered location protected from strong winds and late frosts will encourage the best flowering display and help protect the blooms.

Prefers fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. If planting into Melbourne's heavier clay soils, improve drainage with compost before planting.

Water regularly during establishment and throughout extended dry periods. Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant, although consistent moisture will encourage healthier growth and heavier flowering. Avoid waterlogged soils.

Feed with a quality general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and apply a fresh layer of organic mulch each year to help retain moisture and improve soil health.

Prune only if required in late summer or autumn to remove damaged or crossing branches or to maintain shape. Heavy pruning is rarely necessary.

Generally pest-free, although occasional aphids or scale insects may appear and can be treated if required.

Ideal for
– Feature tree planting
– Small gardens and courtyards
– Front gardens
– Specimen lawn tree
– Woodland-style gardens
– Late winter and spring flowering displays
– Planting alongside Camellias, Azaleas and Hellebores