Choose Butterflies Magnolia if you want a tidy spring focal tree with yellow flowers, not another pink or white bloomer. The tradeoff: early magnolia flowers can be bothered by late New England frosts, especially in exposed sites.
Buy This If
You want yellow spring flowers.
You have room for a small tree.
You can offer some wind protection.
Skip This If
Late frost ruins spring bloom for you.
Deer feeding is intense.
The site stays soggy.
PGNE Report Card
Category
Grade
Why
Landscape Impact
A-
The yellow spring bloom gives it strong focal value before most trees leaf out.
Growth Rate
B
It grows at a useful pace without becoming a fast shade-tree problem.
Maintenance
B
It needs good placement more than regular pruning, but flower buds can take weather damage.
Deer Resistance
A-
Deer rarely bother this tree; it is a dependable choice where deer are a concern, though young trunks can still be rubbed.
Small Space Fit
B+
The upright habit fits many residential yards, but it still needs breathing room.
Screening Value
D
It is grown for flowers and form, not for privacy or year-round cover.
Our Experience
At PGNE, we'd typically place Butterflies Magnolia where it gets sun, decent air movement, and some protection from harsh wind, not in a cold pocket where early buds are more exposed.
Plant Facts
Mature Height
17.5 ft
Mature Width
12.5 ft
Hardiness Zones
5a-8b
Spacing
12.5 ft
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture
Average to moist
Growth Habit
Upright, pyramidal
Customers Usually Ask
Will it bloom every spring?
Usually, but late frost can damage open flowers or swelling buds.
Does it need pruning?
Very little; prune only for damaged or crossing branches after flowering.
Can it go near the house?
Yes, if you allow enough space for the mature canopy.
Why Choose Ornamental & Accent Trees?
Spring Flower Impact: Cherries and serviceberry deliver standout blooms that define the season.
Fall Color & Seasonal Interest: Ginkgo and serviceberry provide reliable, high-impact color late in the year.
Form & Structure: Weeping, upright, and spreading forms create focal points and visual balance in the landscape.
We grow and source ornamental trees selected specifically for New England performance — not just appearance, but reliability, structure, and long-term success in local conditions.
We use your zone to recommend plants that survive your winters, and to estimate when your
order ships — we ship each plant when the weather where you live is right for it.
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Bought 8-10 ft and all were barely 8 if you count the container. Trees are thin and lots of brown branches and broken branches due you thrown in box truck no wrapping or anything. Hoping they survive and thicken up quick…
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
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The plants are beautiful and all 13 were consistent in height and width. And at a fraction of the cost of other garden centers. Having the team that delivered them do the planting was one of the best values I can think of. They did a great job from start to finish and even helped me with my watering system which they didn’t have to do!
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Guys installed for me as well
Great job
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Huge selection and fast delivery. All plants arrived in great condition.
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
Linda Albert
Great prices and Unbelievable selection of big and small trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials! Nicest folks to work with. And local delivery is awesome! First time purchasing from this company, , and have already told friends, neighbors and family. The owner Chris is professional, knowledgeable, and yet laid back in a most friendly way. Mags in the office will help with any details. My all time BEST garden purchase EVER!