MAGNOLIA STELLATA

Magnolia stellata is a small magnolia, much appreciated for its compact shape and abundant spring flowering. Of Japanese origin, this deciduous variety is distinguished by its rounded and tidy shape, which makes it ideal for small and medium-sized gardens, for mixed borders or for growing in pots. The flowering of Magnolia stellata is early and suggestive: the flowers, which bloom between the end of winter and the beginning of spring, appear on the still bare branches, creating a scenic effect of great impact. Pure white in colour, sometimes tinged with pale pink, the flowers are made up of numerous narrow and elongated petals, arranged in a radial pattern, which recall the shape of a star – hence the name of the species. The scent is delicate and pleasant, capable of enriching the atmosphere of the garden in the first months of the beautiful season. The leaves, which develop after flowering, are medium-sized, elliptical, of a soft green that becomes more intense in summer, then turning towards golden-yellow tones in autumn. The habit is naturally tidy, with slow but constant growth: in adulthood Magnolia stellata can reach 2.5-3 metres in height, maintaining a dense and well-branched crown. This variety prefers positions sunny or lightly shaded and requires well-drained, fresh and slightly acidic soil. It does not tolerate water stagnation, but it resists the cold well, even in more rigid climates. Thanks to its rusticity, early flowering and compact shape, Magnolia stellata is one of the most suitable choices for those who want an ornamental magnolia in limited spaces, without sacrificing the elegance and spectacularity of the flowering.