Magnolia x acuminata 'Butterflies' (Butterflies Magnolia)

Botanical Information

FamilyMagnoliaceae
GenusMagnolia
Speciesx acuminata
Cultivar'Butterflies'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)
Origin‘Butterflies’ is a deciduous hybrid magnolia resulting from a cross between M. acuminata (seed parent) and M. denudata (pollen parent).
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6- 9
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height7 m
Spread3 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMarch, April

Description and Growing Information

ShapeA compact pyramidal form.
LandscapeExcellent specimen or accent for sunny areas in the landscape where spring flowers can be appreciated.
PropagationBy softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and autumn.
CultivationGrow in rich, neutral to slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
PestsPotential disease problems include leaf spots, anthracnose, canker, dieback and powdery mildew. Potential insect problems include weevils, snails, scale, and thrips.
Notable SpecimensThe A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. Caerhays Castle, Goran, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionAn upright, pyramidal tree to 7 m tall with a single trunk. It also grows as a multi-stemmed shrub.
Leaf DescriptionDark green leaves to 20 cm long, oblong-elliptic with cuspidate tips.
Flower DescriptionRich yellow, cup-shaped flowers with red stamens. Upright, tulip-like, yellow flowers to 10-12.5 cm across, each flower has 10-16 tepals. Flowers have a light lemon oil aroma.
Fruit DescriptionA reddish-green at maturity.
Colour DescriptionFoliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, but produces little autumn colour (grey-brown).
Texture DescriptionFlowers typically cover the tree with a profuse bloom for about 7-9 days. Foliage does not begin to emerge until the tepals have fallen.

Photographs