Bred in New Zealand, by revered breeder Vance Hooper of Magnolia Grove, Magnolia ‘Yoda’ forms a small to medium sized tree with a compact, upright habit. Long, pinkish-purple, pointed buds open to spectacular, lotus-like blooms of palest pink to pure white, with a darker base. ‘Yoda’ is very similar to, but smaller than, well-known Magnolia ‘Star Wars’. It is also extremely free-flowering and repeat blooms in summer. Ideally suited to a specimen tree for a small garden or background planting in a large mixed border.
Little pruning is required, apart from removing damaged or dead branches and maybe lifting the crown to accommodate underplanting. Plant in a sheltered position, in moist free draining, fertile soils, with full sun for at least half the day. Deciduous.