| Identity card of the plant | |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Magnolia stellata. |
| Common name | Starry magnolia. |
| Family | Magnoliaceae. |
| Origin | Eastern Asia. |
| Size | The star magnolia can measure up to 5 m high and 3 m wide. Foliage |
| Flowering | In March and April, Magnolia stellata is a very flowering shrub. The silky buds evolve into star-shaped flowers. They are usually pure white, for conventional varieties, and pink or yellow, for hybrid varieties. They are single or double and measure about 10 cm in diameter. |
| Exhibition | Partial shade to sunny. |
| Ground | Acidic or neutral, deep, rich and well drained. |
| Rusticity | Down to -15°C |
The Star Magnolia is an easy-care shrub that thrives in our cities and countryside, on our balconies and in our gardens.
How to plant your Magnolia stellata?
The best planting period remains autumn, from October to November. But you can also plant your star magnolia from February to March. For this, choose a place sheltered from the wind, preferably in partial shade.
For planting in open ground:
- Dig a planting hole about 80 cm wide.
- Soak the root ball of your plant and prepare a mixture of garden soil and planting soil.
- Line the bottom of the hole with this substrate and place your magnolia in the middle.
- Complete the hole and lightly cover the root ball.
- Squeeze, water and then mulch the foot generously.
Where to plant your star magnolia?
The star magnolia likes in beds or in flowering hedges, but it is isolated that it is most noticed, especially during the flowering period. Give it good visibility in a sunny, or semi-shaded, and sheltered from the wind. If you choose to plant it in a massif, surround it with stocky shrubs so that they do not mask the beautiful star flowers of your magnolia.
With its slow growth, Magnolia stellata is compatible with pot cultivation, provided stagnant water is avoided. To do this, be sure to line the bottom of your planting bin with at least 3 cm of clay balls to drain excess water.
Light and discreet, the size of this shrub is often more aesthetic than necessary. Copyright (c) 2019 Sokor Space/Shutterstock. No use without permission.
How to maintain your star magnolia?
Watering:
Drought and magnolia do not mix. On the contrary, care must be taken to maintain a cool and moist soil with regular watering, without soaking the substrate. Hence the importance of choosing well-drained soil from the start, at the time of planting. To make it easier, regularly renew the vegetable mulching of your magnolia so that it always retains a good protective thickness. Avoid mineral mulching, which stores heat and releases it to the soil.
Does the star magnolia fear the cold?
Sometimes some spring frosts burn the first flowers of the star magnolia, but in general, it is rather resistant to cold. In winter, it tolerates negative temperatures around -15 ° C. You will not need a wintering sail, especially if your vegetable mulch is well in place.
The size of the magnolia:
Light and discreet, the size of this shrub is often more aesthetic than necessary. It usually consists of balancing the branches and removing damaged branches. Practice it in April to promote flowering.
How to cut a Magnolia stellata?
Cuttings are carried out on herbaceous stems in June or on semi-august stems in August.
For this, you just need to cut 15 cm from the end of a twig, and then remove the low leaves. Next, soak your section in cutting hormones and prick it into an individual pot filled with cutting soil.
Moisten and keep your cuttings smothered until they take root and measure about fifteen centimeters. Transplant them in place in autumn or spring.
For purists, Magnolia stellata is white, with single flowers.
Star Magnolia: which one to choose?
For purists, Magnolia stellata is white, with single flowers. And it is true that the oldest varieties fit this description. However, the new generations do not lack charms too with their colorful flowers and their captivating perfume.
- The Magnolia stellata 'Jane Plat', for example, bears beautiful pink, double and fragrant flowers. They consist of narrow and numerous petals that accentuate the density of flowering.
- The Magnolia stellata 'Butterfly', is very decorative with its erect port. Its profusion of yellow flowers will not fail to attract insects and eyes!
- Magnolia stellata'Rosea', is a hardy shrub with compact and rounded habit, ideal for cultivation on terraces or balconies. Its pale pink flowers are spectacular and can reach 12 cm in diameter.
In France as elsewhere, breeders compete for talent to create new cultivars of magnolia stellata. The varieties are numerous, but always original and singular. Some will surprise you with their delicate fragrance while others will amaze you with their colorful double flowers. There is bound to be one that matches your style and your desires! Go to a garden center or nursery to make your choice.