Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Everything about the Yellow Bird Magnolia Tree is lovely, including the dependable flowers. Bright yellow flowers measure 3.5 inches and last for several weeks. The Magnolia acuminata 'Yellow Bird' blooms later than other Magnolia cultivars, and the flowers emerge with the foliage. This bloom schedule reduces the risk of a late frost damaging the buds or flowers. Green, elliptical foliage complements the flowers and provides consistent color throughout the summer. The foliage turns golden brown in the fall.
Use this shrub to create a border or define different areas of a yard. The sunny yellow flowers make this Magnolia an excellent specimen tree. This impressively large Magnolia can create seasonal privacy in a backyard or pool area. Plant it along a driveway or property line to establish a boundary while adding visual interest. Grow the Yellow Bird Magnolia Tree in zones 5 through 9.
Yellow Bird Magnolia Tree Care
Plant the Yellow Bird Magnolia Tree in full sun. Amend the soil to increase the organic content. The soil should be moist, well-drained, and acidic to neutral. Magnolia trees like damp soil but languish in soggy conditions. Spread a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize in early spring before new growth appears.
Prune the plant to remove crossed branches and overgrowth or maintain its size after the flowers fade in summer. When pruning, the plant should still have leaves.
Yellow Bird Magnolia Tree Spacing
The Yellow Bird Magnolia Tree stands 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Space shrubs 15 feet from buildings and away from overhead obstructions like utility lines.
Yellow Bird Magnolia Tree Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 40 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 25 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Yellow
- Flower Description
- Yellow
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green, Turns Golden Brown in Fall
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Yellow Bird Magnolia Tree
- Also Known As
- Yellow Bird Magnolia Tree
- Botanical Name
- Magnolia acuminata 'Yellow Bird'
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!