Plant Quick Guide

Growing Zones:

4-9.

Mature Height:

15-20 ft

Mature Width:

10-15 ft

Sunlight:

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Spacing:

10 ft

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Flower Color:

Yellow/White

Does Not Ship To:

AK, HI, PR

Magnolia - Butterflies (Japanese)

Magnolia hybrid ‘Butterflies’
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9.
Regular price $62.99
SKU: MAGJBU01GH

Size
Package Quantity
Description

A Hardy, Compact Magnolia with Bright Yellow, Tulip-Shaped Spring Blooms

The Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is a distinctive flowering tree admired for its vibrant yellow, upright blooms that appear in early spring before the foliage emerges. This compact magnolia variety offers a fresh twist on traditional magnolias, delivering bright color, refined form, and reliable performance in a wide range of landscapes. With its elegant branching habit and attractive green foliage, ‘Butterflies’ provides outstanding ornamental value from spring through fall.

Key Features:

Bright Yellow Spring Flowers: Produces abundant, tulip-shaped yellow blooms that stand upright on the branches, creating a striking early-season display.
Compact and Upright Growth: Maintains a neat, manageable form, making it ideal for residential landscapes and smaller spaces.
Hardy and Reliable: Bred for improved cold tolerance and dependable flowering in cooler climates.
Ornamental Foliage: Lush green leaves provide a clean, attractive backdrop throughout the growing season.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a great choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Mature Size:

Height: 15–20 feet
Spread: 10–15 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Hardiness Zones:

Zones: 4–9

Chill Hours:

N/A (well-suited to a variety of temperate climates)

Care Instructions:

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade for best flowering and overall growth.
Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; prefers consistent moisture without soggy conditions.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required; prune after flowering to remove dead or damaged branches.
Protection: Plant in a sheltered location to protect blooms from late spring frosts.

Landscape Uses:

Ideal as a specimen tree in front yards or focal planting areas.
Perfect for small gardens and ornamental landscape designs.
Excellent for early-season interest when few other trees are in bloom.
Enhances curb appeal with unique flower color and refined form.

The Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is a beautiful and reliable ornamental tree that offers vibrant spring color, compact growth, and low-maintenance care. Its cheerful yellow blooms and adaptable nature make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add early-season brightness and elegance to their landscape.

Shipping

At Plant Me Green we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care. We ship your plants using FedEx Ground® the following business day after you have completed checkout.

We are now offering $15 flat rate shipping for all tree orders! Replacement tree shipping cost will be $15 per box. We still cannot ship to some states and US territories based off the Agricultural Laws that may be in place. Please see below for all exclusions. 

If you have any questions concerning transit time for your order, please feel free to contact us at info@plantmegreen.com or toll free 855-817-5268.

Trees: Due to strict Agricultural Laws in place, we currently cannot ship to the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii. We cannot ship to Puerto Rico or international.

How to Plant
STEP 1) First, decide on a planting location. Consider carefully what kind of sun, soil, and growing-space your tree or shrub will need.
STEP 2) Once you've located the perfect spot, the hole you are digging must be at least double the width and as deep as the root system you are planting.
STEP 3) Remove the plant from the pot and place the root ball in the hole. The top of the root system should be level with the ground. Before placing the tree or shrub in the hole, use your hands to gently break up the root system.
STEP 4) Once the plant is in place, backfill the hole with native soil and any leftover potting material.
STEP 5) Pack down the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
STEP 6) When finished, water thoroughly.
Care Guide

Japanese magnolias should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil. Magnolias prefer slightly acidic soil and do not tolerate overly wet ground in the root zone. You can plant them in either in full sun or partial shade. Once planted, make a 2 foot wide, 2" deep circle around the tree with mulch, but leave a 3-4” space between the mulch and the trunk. At the beginning of cold weather, add 2 more inches of mulch for a total of 4", this will help prevent the plants roots from freezing. If the tree is young or you are using it as a shrub, it is recommended to cover the plant during cold weather. Apply an 8-8-8 nitrogen, potassium slow-release fertilizer in late winter before new growth starts at a rate of one pound per 100 square feet of planted area. Do not fertilize until after the tree is well established in its new home. Water once a week with a deep watering until tree is established. While Japanese Magnolias can be pruned to shape while young, you should refrain from pruning mature Japanese Magnolias.