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Starring this Spring: Star Magnolias

Star Magnolia - Farmside Landscape & Design

If you’re looking for an early spring blooming tree with beautiful star-shaped fragrant flowers, the Star Magnolia (magnolia stellata) is for you. Although it’s one of the hardiest magnolias, its early blooms are at risk  of being damage by late frosts, so it and benefits by being planted in a sheltered site that’s protected from strong winds such as in a shrub border or by a patio or entryway.

 

Star Magnolias are small and compact in size, and can function as a shrub or ornamental tree specimen.  The white, clustered flowers open before the deciduous leaves of the tree unfurl, and the petals sometimes include touches of pink. The blooms are 3 to 4 inches in diameter, with 12 to 18 narrow, wavy petals about 2 inches in length, giving the flowers a star-shaped appearance.

 

Star Magnolias prefer full sun and moist, well-drained slightly acid soil. Their shallow roots will benefit from a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.  Only minimal pruning is needed to keep the tree shaped and healthy.

 

Some great cultivars to consider:

Centennial Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’):  Small-sized with an upright pyramidal shape. It has numerous, large white flowers tinged with pink.

 

Rosea Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Rosea’):  This cultivar has an oval to round shape with a dense, bushy habit.  Pink buds open to fragrant, light pink, star-like flowers.  This plant flowers in late April, a little later than other species.

 

Royal Star Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’):  Oval to round shape with star-shaped, fragrant, white flowers that bloom slightly later than some other cultivars.

 

Call us or contact us here at Farmside Landscape & Design to help you create a landscape that blooms with beauty throughout the seasons.

 

Photo Credit: PixaBay

farmside landscape and design sussex county nj

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