Delavay's Magnolia
magnolia delavayi
Also known as: ["Chinese Tulip Tree","Delavay's Tulip Magnolia"]
Overview
A large evergreen tree native to China, known for its large, fragrant, tulip-shaped flowers and glossy leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Magnoliales |
| Family: | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus: | Magnolia |
| Botanical Name: | Magnolia delavayi |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in sheltered spot with morning sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid leaf burn; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid sudden light changes; provide dappled shade in peak summer; rotate container plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, avoid frequent shallow watering, and adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoids prolonged frost.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or layering; seeds are less reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for better success.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to maintain natural form.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage airflow to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; avoid heavy pruning after flowering.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning leaf edges in extreme heat or cold; delayed bud development in fluctuating temperatures.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; buds may fail to open; growth slows or halts in freezing conditions.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch in winter; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites; ensure good air circulation to prevent frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; use appropriate fertilizer; follow dilution instructions; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop feeding in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMagnolia delavayi is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity or adverse effects following ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicMagnolia delavayi is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity or adverse effects following ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicMagnolia delavayi is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects associated with ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Magnolia delavayi grow?
A: It can grow up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall in ideal conditions.
Q: Does Magnolia delavayi require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, especially in hotter climates.
Q: When does Magnolia delavayi bloom?
A: It typically blooms in late spring to early summer, producing large, fragrant flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Magnoliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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