Magnolia liliiflora, commonly known as Mulan Magnolia, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to forested areas and valleys in Southeastern China. It typically grows to a modest height of 13 feet (4 meters), making it smaller than most other magnolias. This species is renowned for its early spring bloom, where large, tulip-shaped pink to purple flowers emerge profusely before the foliage, creating a spectacular display. The flowers are particularly showy, with a rich, deep color that can vary from pale pink to a more intense purple. The leaves are dark green, providing a beautiful contrast to the vibrant flowers.

Mulan Magnolia is valued for its compact size, which makes it suitable for smaller gardens, and its early spring flowers that add color and interest before many other plants have started to bloom. It is often used in residential landscapes, as a specimen plant or in mixed borders. The cultivar ’Nigra’, with its deeper colored flowers, has been recognized for its horticultural merit. For best growth, Mulan Magnolia requires acidic to neutral soil and can tolerate full sun to light shade. It is adaptable to a range of drainage conditions, from slow to fast. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to scale insects and fungal diseases such as leaf spot and canker. It is also sensitive to late spring frosts, which can damage the flowers.CC BY-SA 4.0