Magnolia x acuminata ‘Butterflies’

Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is an elegant, cold-hardy deciduous magnolia prized for its rare yellow spring blossoms. Flowering in early to mid-spring, the large goblet-shaped blooms appear on bare branches before the foliage emerges, creating a dramatic and eye-catching display. The flowers are a clear, buttery yellow with a soft green flush at the base, and their slightly twisted petals give the appearance of butterflies resting along the stems. The blooms are lightly fragrant and hold their upright form well, even in light wind.

This cultivar forms a small to medium-sized tree with a tidy, upright pyramidal to oval habit. It typically grows 4–6 meters tall and around 3–4 meters wide at maturity, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens. The branches are strong and well-structured, giving the tree an attractive silhouette even in winter when leafless.

The foliage emerges after flowering as fresh mid-green leaves that provide a lush backdrop through summer. In autumn, the leaves may turn soft yellow tones before falling.
‘Butterflies’ performs best in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It benefits from protection against strong winds to preserve its delicate flowers. Regular watering during dry periods and a layer of mulch around the root zone will encourage healthy growth.

This magnolia is ideal as a specimen tree, lawn feature, or planted near patios and entrances where its unusual yellow flowers can be appreciated up close. Its refined shape and soft colouring make it a standout choice for elegant landscape designs.

20cm pot
Price $45