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Magnolia stellata

star magnolia

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A popular, compact, bushy shrub or small tree with mid-green leaves and silky buds which open up to large, pure white, star-shaped flowers, sometimes faintly flushed pink. The flowers are lightly scented, and open very early, before the leaves, eventually covering the shrub for several weeks. This is one of the best magnolias for a small garden.

How to care for Magnolia stellata:

Choose a sheltered position away from strong winds. Work plenty of ericaceous compost into the planting hole to create the right soil conditions and water well after planting. Magnolias prefer neutral to acidic, moisture-retentive but free-draining soils, so avoid very chalky ground unless improved with organic matter.

These shrubs and small trees need very little pruning. Only remove broken, diseased, or crossing branches, ideally in midsummer once flowering has finished. Heavy pruning is not recommended as it can spoil the natural shape and reduce future flowering.

Apply a mulch of leafmould or well-rotted manure in spring to help conserve soil moisture, especially on lighter soils. Water newly planted specimens regularly during dry periods, as magnolias dislike drying out. Once established, they need little attention beyond occasional feeding with an ericaceous fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
3m
Eventual spread:
4m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationThis shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
  • InformationCAUTION toxic if eaten/skin & eye irritant

Product options

Product options image
PL00080213
3 litre pot | 30cm tall
£34.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
Product options image
PL00080218
9 litre pot | 60 - 80cm tall
£99.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
Product options image
PL30002265
12 litre pot | 80 - 100cm tall
£109.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard Delivery£5.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99

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