Magnolia Stellata

The Magnolia Stellata as the name suggests has star shaped flowers and is a real star in my Spring garden.

It is described as a small and slow growing deciduous species which rarely exceeds about 3m (10ft) in height. Mine is very well established and is anything but slow growing so I think we can assume the “slow growing” tag is more relative to the younger plant.

My Stellata bears fragrant white flowers 7-8cm (3in) wide usually with 12-15 narrow tepals (petals) before the leaves in March to April. Some cultivars have flowers that are pink or pink tinged, or have more tepals or are larger in size.

It is found wild in central Japan where it is quite rare and recently recognised as being endangered.

Magnolia Stellata was first introduced into cultivation in the UK in about 1877.

It is suitable for a smaller garden growing best in moisture-retentive soils in full sun but do beware that as well as being 10ft high it can also be 10ft wide.

The habit of this small tree/shrub lends itself to under planting as it matures.

For a longer season of interest it is possible, as I do, to grow Clematis through it. For obvious reasons it is preferable not to use an early spring or very vigorous variety. I have two Clematis, supported by my Stellata, which really look good and appear not to upset the host. However, I have to admit I did make a mistake with one that did start to run riot and was in danger of damaging the Magnolia – now transplanted to a more suitable position!

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