Probably the most abundant magnolia found in parks and gardens across north-west Europe.

Cultivated.

Cultivated hybrid (1820) between two Chinese species, Yulan (Magnolia denudata) and Lily-Flowered Magnolia (M. liliflora).

Small (6m) low-domed, a little untidy in appearance. Leaves large (18cm), obovate, bright green, underside midrib pubescent. Erect goblet-shaped flowers, nine white to pink-purple tepals, appearing before or with leaf flush in spring.

Plant in full sun and ideally in well-drained fertile soil, although will tolerate even heavy clay soils. Late spring frosts do not harm the tree, but impact flowering. Prune early autumn. More than 40 named cultivars exist.

No notable associations where introduced.

Generally healthy.

Ornamental.