Species mu-lan
velvety, pink-white flowers with glossy, light-green, ovate leaves, and gray-green stems

mu-lan

Magnolia lilliflora 'Nigra'

Mu-lan (Magnolia lilliflora 'Nigra') is an exotic plant species native to southeast Asia. This evergreen magnolia grows up to 8 feet tall with deep purple-black foliage and purple-black buds that open to light pink flowers. The flower buds can be harvested in mid-summer for use in herbal teas. Mu-lan is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and semi-shady areas, making it a great addition to a garden or patio. It is also suitable for container planting for those with limited outdoor space. This stunning species will provide a dramatic splash of color to brighten any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Reddish-purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Mu-lan (Magnolia lilliflora 'Nigra') should be watered every 5-7 days with 5-10 gallons of water per watering. During the spring, summer, and fall, water more frequently, but be mindful of overwatering, since these plants are very sensitive to too much water. For the winter months, reduce the amount of water you give to your Mu-lan, but make sure to not let the soil dry out completely.

sunlight

Mu-lan (Magnolia lilliflora 'Nigra') plants need full sun to partial shade. They require at least 4 hours of sunlight per day to maintain strong growth. During the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun is at its weakest, the mu-lan plant can benefit from a bit of direct sunlight for a few additional hours. During the hottest hours of the day, it’s best to protect the plant from direct sunlight and provide some shade. It’s also important to make sure that the plant doesn’t get too much sun during the summer months, as this can cause the leaves to scorch and turn yellow. Therefore, it’s important to provide adequate shade during the afternoon hours.

pruning

Mu-lan (Magnolia lilliflora 'Nigra') is a deciduous, shrub-like flowering plant that requires pruning for optimal growth. Pruning should take place in the early spring, before new growth begins, or at the end of winter when the plant is still dormant. When pruning Mu-lan, it is important to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. This should be done as soon as possible to prevent the disease from spreading and compromising the health of the plant. Additionally, any crossing branches should be trimmed to allow for proper airflow and encourage the plant’s natural form. Mu-lan should also be pruned to reduce size, if necessary. This may involve removing larger branches or entire stems, as needed. Do not remove more than a quarter of the total plant at any given time; too much pruning can cause stress or damage to the plant. Overall, the amount of pruning required for Mu-lan depends on the desired size and shape of the plant. Pruning should take place in moderation and only when absolutely necessary to ensure the plant remains healthy and grows properly.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Mu-lan typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map