We turn our attention to this shrub at the end of winter. The plant doesn't want to snooze any longer. Its fluff-covered buds swell, burst and release beautiful snow-white, star-shaped flowers before spring comes. Star magnolia Magnolia stellata blooms earlier than its larger relative, the intermediate magnolia Magnolia soulangeana. This is not the only difference between them.Mature star magnolia is clearly smaller than its cousin and rarely reaches a height of more than 3 m.Therefore it is an ideal shrub for small gardens and for small flower beds.
It grows quite slowly, gains a wide-spread habit with age, and the shoots become dense and highly branched.Star magnolia should not be disturbed by care treatments, especially cutting. Approach the shrub after putting the secateurs aside.Star-shaped flowers are smaller than the flowers of large magnolias, but there are many more of them and, in addition, they smell delicately.
Despite early growing vegetation, star magnolia is not afraid of frost. Its buds and developed flowers can withstand a slight temperature drop below 0 ° C without harm. Stronger frost causes browning of flower petals, but the entire shrub will not be bothered. Forms with different characteristics were developed in breeding. The 'Waterlily' and 'Royal Star' varieties bloom a little later and therefore are not exposed to late frosts.Their flowers are slightly larger and more densely filled with petals.Almost all varieties have snow-white flowers.
The exception is 'Rosea' with flower petals in a delicate shade of pink. However, among the pink magnolias, the hybrid of Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel' is more valuable. A white shrub with ornamental perennials creates an extremely impressive arrangement.Due to the early flowering, it will be mainly bulbs.
Magnolias do not tolerate interference within the root ball, therefore it is worth planting accompanying plants with the bush.Instead of bulbous species that require regular replanting, use those that can spread on their own, such as squill and daffodils.
Cultivation requirements
Star Magnolia has no extraordinary requirements. However, in order for it to grow he althily and bloom profusely, it is necessary to follow a few basic rules. The shrub feels best in a fully sunlit or semi-shaded place with a slightly firm and acidic soil.The clay soil should be improved with the addition of non-acidified peat and sand.
Magnolia likes soil that is evenly moist, but not too wet. Roots rot very easily in too moist soil, especially in the first few months after planting. In the spring, it is worth feeding the bush with long-acting fertilizer or compost.
Like all species of this genus, the star magnolia has a very delicate and sensitive root system. He does not tolerate transplanting very well.Therefore, a place for a beautiful shrub should be chosen very carefully and cautiously if we want it to grow here peacefully for many years.
Due to the delicate roots, many growers advise against growing magnolias, even in large containers. The varieties of star magnolia are mostly very similar
and it's hard to tell them apart. The most popular forms are 'Waterlily' and 'Royal Star'.
