How to Grow Magnolia Denudata - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Magnolia denudata is a lovely deciduous shrub that originates from China. It can grow to around 9 m in height and has large, round, fragrant flowers that are white with a pink flush. The petals are also slightly crinkled, adding to the overall charm of this plant. In late spring or early summer, the flowers are borne on naked stems, hence the common name of naked lady magnolia.

How to Grow Magnolia Denudata - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Magnolia denudata - also called Yulan Magnolia or Naked Magnolia
  • Magnolia kobus - also called Kobus Magnolia
  • Magnolia stellata - also called Star Magnolia
  • Magnolia liliiflora - also called Lily Magnolia
  • Magnolia x soulangeana - also called Saucer Magnolia

Basic info

  • Magnolia denudata is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 m tall.
  • It has a dense, oval to rounded crown with dark green, leathery leaves.
  • The flowers are white, fragrant and borne in clusters of 3-1 They appear in late spring or early summer.
  • The fruit is a cone-like, fleshy structure containing numerous small, black seeds.
  • Magnolia denudata is native to China and Taiwan.
  • It was introduced into Europe in the 18th century and into North America in the early 19th century.
  • The tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
  • It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as colds, headaches and stomach disorders.
  • Magnolia denudata is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world such as Australia and New Zealand.
  • The tree is also known as yulan or lily magnolia.

Related plant:
Magnolia Figo

How to Grow

  1. For magnolia denudata, first step is to find and select a planting site. Look for an area that gets full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
  2. Next, prepare the planting hole. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball and just as deep.
  3. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  4. Water the tree deeply immediately after planting.
  5. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it several inches away from the trunk.
  6. Water the tree regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  7. Fertilize in early spring with a general purpose fertilizer.
  8. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape.
  9. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat as needed.
  10. Enjoy your magnolia denudata!

Related plant:
Jane Magnolia Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, magnolia denudata is better to grow in sandy loam with good drainage. The soil should be neutral to acidic. It prefers to be in moist conditions but can tolerate some drought. It is also tolerant of salt.

About light

So, like the other flowers, the sun is essential for the magnolia denudata flower. The sun helps the plant to produce food and also provides warmth. Without the sun, the plant will not be able to grow and flourish. The plant needs at least six hours of sunlight each day to stay healthy.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of magnolia denudata is a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is optimal for the growth and development of the plant. The plant can also tolerate a temperature range of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, the plant may not produce as many flowers when the temperature is outside of the Optimal range.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become stressed. If the air is too humid, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this type of plant need, is especially important for the root. It is a good idea to use a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content and a higher phosphorus and potassium content. This type of fertilizer will encourage blooming. It is also important to make sure that the fertilizer is applied to the root zone and not to the leaves.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your magnolia denudata healthy and happy. Pruning not only helps to control the size and shape of the plant, but can also help to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation of Magnolia denudata is best done by seed. sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. The seed should be stratified for 3 months at 40 degrees F before planting. Seedlings should be kept moist until they are large enough to plant out.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate in the wild is 0.5 to 1 meter per year, with a maximum of 3 meters in good conditions. In cultivation, the growth rate is often much faster, with 1 to 2 meters per year being common.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, root rot, aphids, and scale. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. Root rot is caused by too much moisture and can kill the plant. Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. Scale are small insects that can attach themselves to the stems and leaves and cause the plant to weaken and die.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your magnolia denudata plant regularly. Check the soil moisture every day to make sure it is not too dry or too wet.
  • Feed your plant with a high-quality magnolia fertilizer every month.
  • Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and treat them promptly.
  • Repot your plant every two years or so to refresh the soil and encourage new growth.
  • Check the roots of your plant regularly to make sure they are not too crowded.
  • Be careful not to overwater your plant. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
  • Mist your plant regularly with water to provide extra moisture.
  • Enjoy your beautiful magnolia denudata plant!

Similar Plants

  • Magnolia denudata ILATUMPAN
  • Magnolia denudata 'Yulan'
  • Magnolia denudata 'Rubra'
  • Magnolia denudata 'Yellow Bird'
  • Magnolia denudata 'Coral Pink'
  • Magnolia denudata 'Alba Plena'
  • Magnolia denudata 'Assoluto'
  • Magnolia denudata NANHUA
  • Magnolia denudata 'White Swan'
  • Magnolia denudata 'Liliflora'

Source:
Magnolia denudata habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois …
Magnolia denudata - University of Florida
Magnolia denudata | HOLLIS for

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category