Magnolia yunnanensis

Magnolia yunnanensis, also known as Michelia or Smooth-Leaved Magnolia, is an evergreen bush native to the forests of southwestern China where it thrives in thick humus. Over time, it becomes a large bush with a short trunk and dense, slightly spreading foliage. It has beautiful, glossy dark green evergreen leaves and abundant, delicately scented spring flowers. Its long, decorative velvety buds open into cream-white flowers adorned with yellow stamens. This magnolia can be acclimated to temperate regions, both in winter and summer, in neutral to acidic moist soil.

Michelia yunnanensis, also known as Magnolia laevifolia or Magnolia dianica, is a bush belonging to the Magnoliaceae family. It is a rather dense large bush with slow growth, reaching about 4m (13ft) in height and 3m (10ft) in width under good growing conditions. It has oval and rounded, glossy and leathery leaves of a beautiful dark green colour. The undersides of the leaves are velvety brown. Flowering occurs in April-May, but camel-coloured flower buds form as early as autumn. On its branches, at the axil of the leaves, tulip-shaped cream-coloured flowers with waxy petals bloom. They are enhanced by a prominent light yellow stamen centre, emitting a delightful lemon fragrance. Flowering is followed by decorative pods, revealing shiny purple seeds. The branches of this michelia will die back at -12°C (10.4°F), but the bush will be able to regrow from the stump in spring.

This Smooth-Leaved Magnolia, which will delight collectors of hardy exotic plants, is suitable for medium-sized gardens. It can be planted on its own in a sun-exposed short grass meadow, but also included in a group of bushes or at the back of a flower bed, always in a non-burning exposure and sheltered from icy winds. It will also find its place in a large flowering hedge. Place it against a wall which gets some sun (but not too much) surrounded by shade-loving perennials. Pair this Michelia yunnanensis with mock oranges and white spireas in a hedge. It will also blend well with acid-loving bushes such as Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas, and other camellias.