Yellow Flowered Magnolias

Welcome spring with the yellow blossoms of Elizabeth and Butterflies magnolia. You’ll appreciate the unique color and large fragrant blooms that appear before the leaves.

Both are deciduous and like other magnolias prefer moist, rich well-draining soil. Grow them in full sun or part shade. Provide a bit of afternoon shade where the summers are hot and grow in a protected location in colder climates. Hardiness ratings vary but most experts agree they are hardy in zones 5 to 8. Gardeners in zones 4 to 9 have reported some success.

Elizabeth magnolia grows 20 to 35 feet tall and 12 to 20 feet wide. Its flowers are fragrant and a yellow-tinted cream while Butterflies are a buttery yellow and a bit less fragrant. Butterflies Magnolia is smaller, growing about 15-20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.

A bit more information: These magnolias require minimal pruning to maintain their beauty and structure. Mulch the soil under the tree’s canopy and water as needed to promote healthy growth.