Yulan magnolia, Magnolia denudata, is native to central and eastern China. It has been cultivated in Chinese Buddhist temple gardens since 600AD. Its flowers were regarded as a symbol of purity in the Tang Dynasty and it was planted in the grounds of the Emperor's palace.

Is a rather low, rounded, thickly branched, and coarse-textured tree. The leaves are ovate, bright green, 15cm/6in long and 8cm/3in wide. The white flowers that emerge from early to late spring, while beautiful and thick with a citrus-lemon fragrance, are prone to browning if subjected to frost.

This plant is similar to other magnolias in that it likes rich, moist soil and should be planted in a location where it is protected from elemental extremes.

References

• Russell, Tony & Catherine Cutler (Hermes House 2004) Trees, an Illustrated Identifier and Encyclopedia Aness Publishing.

External links

• Photos of flowers