Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’ (Star Magnolia)

Regarded as one of the best medium-sized Magnolias for the landscape, award-winning Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’ is a deciduous shrub or small tree of stunning beauty when in full bloom. Masses of fragrant, waterlily-shaped, pure white flowers, 5.5 in. across (14 cm), appear in late winter or early spring. The fragrant blossoms are packed with 28-33 tepals which are sometimes adorned with a light pink tinge. The overall effect of these many tepals is that of a starburst (hence the common name ‘Star Magnolia’). The flowers are borne on leafless branches before the new leaves begin to unfurl. The foliage of medium green leaves often turns yellow and brown in fall. As the leaves fall, the dense outline of its bare branches and the furry buds are revealed, adding interest to the winter landscape. ‘Centennial’ is very hardy. However, its blooms, like those of most early blooming Magnolias, are susceptible to late frosts.

Magnolia belongs to the Magnoliaceae family, which includes several popular species such as the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata), Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana), and Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).

• Grows with a broadly pyramidal habit up to 15-20 ft. tall and wide (4-6 m)
• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and recipient of a Gold Medal from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
• This plant is best grown in full sun to part shade in consistently moist, slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline soils are also suitable for growth if the soil is moisture retentive. Magnolias are adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils, but most grow poorly in wet or poorly drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds too.
• May be attacked by scale insects, coral spot, honey fungus and phytophthora root rot.
• Spectacular as a specimen plant for dramatic early spring blooms. Great flowering tree for city gardens or cottage gardens.
• Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
• Deciduous Magnolias are best planted when dormant, in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring. For the first 6 to 12 months after planting, both types will benefit from mulch and regular irrigation during warm or dry weather.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and fall