Magnolia x Sunburst

Sunburst Magnolia

Magnolia × ‘Sunburst’ is a deciduous flowering tree with upright, tulip-shaped deep canary-yellow blooms that open with the emerging foliage in spring. It is considered a very floriferous, quick-growing yellow magnolia, with an upright habit and bronze-purple new foliage that matures green. This cultivar is a cross of Magnolia × brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ × M. ‘Gold Star.’

Type: Deciduous tree

Mature Size: 20–25' W x 20–30' H

10-Year Size: 16–26' H x about 10–16' W is a reasonable estimate based on sources listing 5–8 m tall at 10 years and an upright habit; exact 10-year width was not consistently documented, so this is an approximation.

USDA Zones: 6a–9b

Form: Upright to narrowly pyramidal when young, becoming broader with age

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil / Water: Rich, acidic to neutral, well-drained soil; even moisture and regular water during establishment

Bloom Time / Length: Mid- to late spring; flowers open with the emerging leaves, and the bloom season is considered later than many magnolias

Wildlife: Magnolia flowers are pollinated primarily by beetles; this cultivar is grown mainly for ornamental display rather than wildlife value.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent as a specimen tree, lawn tree, or focal point where its clear yellow flowers can stand out in spring. Its later bloom time can help reduce frost damage compared with earlier magnolias, and its upright habit makes it useful in landscapes that need a narrower flowering tree.

Care: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist. Water regularly while establishing, avoid prolonged drought, and prune only lightly after flowering if shaping is needed. Magnolia culture guidance from NC State also notes magnolias generally prefer good drainage and can develop chlorosis in high-pH soils. 

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

20-25'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Narrow Pyramidal, Narrow Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No