Yulan Magnolia Magnolia denudata 'Giubiasco'

Water

The Yulan magnolia should be watered deeply to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy, which often equates to about 1-2 gallons per week for young trees, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During the growing season, increase the water to 2-4 gallons per week. In the absence of rainfall, water mature trees deeply every two weeks. Adjust water needs for the tree based on soil conditions and climate; well-draining soil will require less frequent watering, while hot, dry weather will require more. It is crucial to not let the soil dry out completely, but also to avoid waterlogging the tree.

Light

Yulan magnolia thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would provide morning sunlight with some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. To keep blossoms from fading quickly, avoid placing the magnolia in an area with intense afternoon sun.

Temperature

For the Yulan magnolia, the ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 80°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, tolerating minimum winter temperatures down to -20°F. Extreme heat above 90°F can be stressful for the plant, so providing shade or water during heat waves is beneficial.

Pruning

Prune the Yulan magnolia to remove dead or damaged wood and shape the tree, best done after flowering in spring to avoid cutting off next year's buds. Light shaping and removal of crossed branches can be done to maintain a healthy structure. Major pruning should be undertaken sparingly as magnolias do not recover well from heavy cutting.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Yulan Magnolia thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand to provide aeration. Aim for a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, adding organic matter to increase acidity and nutrient content if needed. Ideal soil should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Repotting

Yulan Magnolia doesn't require frequent repotting; do it every 3 to 5 years. Younger plants may need repotting more often to accommodate growth, but mature plants prefer to be undisturbed.

Humidity & Misting

Yulan Magnolia prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to average outdoor conditions. It does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown in its natural outdoor environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, adequate space, and consistent watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, partial shade to full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Magnolia denudata 'Giubiasco', commonly known as Yulan Magnolia, begins its life as a seed which germinates in moist, well-drained soil with sufficient sunlight and warmth. The seedling emerges with a pair of starter leaves and subsequently develops true leaves as it grows into a young plant; this juvenile phase can last several years as the plant establishes itself. As the Yulan Magnolia matures, it develops a sturdy trunk and extensive root system, and begins to produce its characteristic large, white fragrant flowers in early spring before the leaves appear, signaling the reproductive stage. After pollination, typically by beetles attracted to the flowers, the plant produces cone-like fruit that releases red seeds when mature. The Magnolia reaches peak maturity and maximum size in several decades and can live for well over a century, with flowering every spring followed by seed production. Throughout its life, the Yulan Magnolia may face cycles of growth, dormancy in winter, and recovery from environmental stresses such as drought or pest damage.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Magnolia denudata 'Giubiasco', commonly known as the Yulan magnolia, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place in late summer. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select healthy, semi-hardwood stems that have current season's growth and cut them into lengths of 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters). Each cutting should have at least two or three sets of leaves. The lower sets of leaves are removed, and the cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of peat and perlite, and kept moist in a warm, shaded environment until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and show signs of growth, they can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before permanent planting.