I couldn't wait until Wednesday to share these photos with you. The Royal Star Magnolia by our shed finally opened - though not fully open. I wanted to snap a few photos before it turns into a circus of wispy finger-like blossom (I'll get some more photos then too).
The shrub is still pretty small, so it isn't casting a fragrance around the area. You have to get very close to smell it; basically shove your nose into the blossom.
I bought her last year from Gertens, and have been babying her all winter - very afraid the rabbits would get to the buds before spring. Some of the branches snapped due to heavy snow and the rabbits did get to some, but it still has enough buds to be the best show in our yard.
Here's what Monrovia says about this plant:
Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'
Early bloomer with large, fragrant, double white flowers appearing
before the foliage emerges in spring. Open-branched, multi-trunked large
shrub or small tree. Deciduous.
| Botanical Pronunciation: | mag-NOH-li-a ste-LAH-ta |
| Key feature: | Spring Flowering |
| Plant type: | Tree |
| Garden style: | Cottage |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Deciduous |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 4 - 9 |
| Light needs: | Full sun |
| Sunset climate zones: | 2 - 9, 14 - 24, 28 - 41 |
| Water Needs: | Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. |
| Average landscape size: | Moderate grower to 10 to 15 ft. tall, 10 to 12 ft. wide. |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Flower attributes: | Fragrant, Showy Flowers |
| Special features: | Fall Color, Year-round Interest |
| Landscape use: | Border |
| Flower color: | White |
| Blooms: | Early spring |
| Foliage color: | Green |
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the
first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed
with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.
For a formal appearance, shear annually after flowering. Pruning time:
winter.
Design Ideas
Few trees are as charming as the little Star
Magnolia. Plant up close where you can enjoy its dainty but large
flowers. Excellent choice for moonlight and all-white gardens. A
traditional candidate in the Asian garden, where individuals are
carefully pruned. Equally at home in old-fashioned cottage gardens. A
perfect choice for courtyards and entry courts, town-house and
condominium gardens.
***
Charming indeed. I may just buy another.
Have a lovely spring day! I'm headed outside!
I haven't decided which Magnolia to add yet, but this just might be it! I loved the huge Southern Magnolia I had in NC, but not enough room here. I also had an pink 'Ann', so I may try that or 'Heaven Scent'. Now see what you've started? lol
ReplyDeleteThe blooms of a new plant are so satisfying. I can imagine that putting your nose in one of the blooms and smelling its sweet scent is heavenly.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be celebrating our New House Anniversary soonish - thinking of adding another tree. Maybe a magnolia or a redbud. Spring and late summer are always my favorite seasons - new an lush.
ReplyDelete