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magnolia butterflies nz

Magnolia Butterflies is a sensational magnolia hybrid that brings a burst of colour and charm to New Zealand gardens. If you’re searching for an eye-catching, upright deciduous tree that reliably produces masses of buttery-yellow flowers in early spring, Magnolia Butterflies might just be the ideal addition. This variety is becoming increasingly popular across the country for its unique blooms, tidy shape, and ease of growing. Discover everything you need to know about Magnolia Butterflies NZ, from care tips to why it stands out among magnolia varieties.

Magnolia Butterflies

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Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is a delightful deciduous magnolia celebrated for its elegant, star-shaped blossoms in soft white with a hint of creamy yellow at the base. Blooming in mid to late spring before leaf emergence, the flowers gently open and close, resembling fluttering butterflies. This compact tree reaches 3 to 4 metres in height and width, making it ideal for smaller New Zealand gardens.

A fabulous Magnolia 'Butterflies' tree with masses of yellow flowers.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Trees
  • Height:
    6.00 m
  • Spread:
    4.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Parks, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
magnolia-stellata-waterlily-5
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A beautiful Magnolia 'Star Wars' tree with masses of pink flowers.
Most Popular Magnolia 'Star Wars'

Magnolia 'Star Wars' is a striking deciduous magnolia known for its large, star-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink with pale interiors. Blooming...

From$343.89
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.
Most Popular Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to...

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Most Popular Magnolia 'DD Blanchard'

Magnolia 'DD Blanchard' is a magnificent evergreen tree admired for its large glossy green leaves with rich copper brown undersides and elegant...

From$343.89
Exquisite Magnolia 'Genie' dark purple flowers.
Most Popular Magnolia 'Genie'

Magnolia 'Genie' is a compact, deciduous magnolia prized for its rich, burgundy-purple, tulip-shaped flowers, which bloom in early spring. This...

From$299.92
A Meryta sinclairii (Puka) specimen tree.
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Meryta sinclairii, commonly known as the Puka Tree or Puka Plant, is a NZ native shrub with a lush and tropical appearance. It bears large and...

A small Cornus kousa 'China Girl' specimen tree with masses of white flowers against green foliage.
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Cornus kousa 'China Girl' is a small and popular, deciduous tree with large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed...

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A Liquidambar 'Lane Roberts' specimen tree in a park with colourful autumn foliage.
Most Popular Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts'

Liquidambar 'Lane Roberts' is a popular variety due to its beautiful foliage and brilliant autumn colours. It has star-shaped leaves which emerge a...

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Lagerstroemia 'Kimono' elegant white flowers.
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Lagerstroemia ‘Kimono’ is an elegant crepe myrtle valued for its soft pastel summer flowers and refined upright tree form. Flowering through the...

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Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.
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Magnolia Butterflies

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Striking Features of Magnolia Butterflies

Magnolia Butterflies is loved by gardeners for its impressive display of fragrant, tulip-shaped flowers. Each spring, this magnolia erupts into a glorious spectacle of yellow blossoms held upright on bare branches before the leaves emerge. The blooms are especially long-lasting, making this tree a season highlight for your garden.

Its narrow, upright habit makes Magnolia Butterflies perfect for smaller New Zealand sections, mixed borders, or as a feature planting. At maturity, you can expect your Magnolia Butterflies tree to reach around 4 to 6 metres tall, offering a moderate size that won’t overpower your landscape.

Growing Magnolia Butterflies in NZ

One of the reasons Magnolia Butterflies is gaining popularity in New Zealand is its adaptability and resilience. Here are some care tips specifically for New Zealand gardeners:

Once established, Magnolia Butterflies is a low-maintenance option that rewards with reliable blooms and attractive foliage.

Complementary Trees and Alternatives

While Magnolia Butterflies NZ is a wonderful choice, there are several striking magnolia varieties and ornamental trees to consider for your landscape. For fans of white, star-shaped flowers, Magnolia stellata Waterlily is an excellent complement. If you are after dramatic pink blooms and a larger specimen, Magnolia Star Wars is hard to beat.

Compact growers like Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem or Magnolia DD Blanchard offer year-round glossy green leaves and creamy white flowers, ideal for NZ’s diverse gardens. For a vivid, deep purple display, Magnolia Genie is a popular modern option.

If you’re open to non-magnolia trees, options such as the resilient Malus Coronet Peak (Coronet Peak Crabapple), Michelia foggii, or the unusual Afrocarpus mannii bring unique colour and structure to New Zealand gardens. For striking foliage or rare appeal, Idesia polycarpa (Male) (Idesia Tree) and Betula pendula Purple Splendour are worth consideration.

Why Choose Magnolia Butterflies NZ?

Choosing Magnolia Butterflies NZ means investing in a tree that truly announces spring’s arrival. With its unrivalled upright yellow blooms, elegant form, and reliable performance in Kiwi conditions, this magnolia is perfect for brightening up any outdoor space.

Whether you’re refining an established landscape or planning a brand-new planting, Magnolia Butterflies brings effortless beauty and a timeless touch to your garden.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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