Quite recently I suggested that Magnolia although relatively hardy was difficult to flower in Aberdeen. Well today driving along Great Western Road I passed three gardens with quite mature specimens of Magnolia Stellata.This is the smallest magnolia and one of the most popular, growing very slowly into a rounded bush, 3m (10ft) high when mature but still only 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) after ten years. It is fairly hardy, and frost can damage the grey furry buds and open flowers if they are exposed to morning sunshine. A position with early shade and sun later in the day is best. The beautiful flowers, pure white and lightly scented, open very early and before the leaves, eventually covering a mature shrub for several weeks. Plants tolerate lime, even pure limestone.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
Magnolia Stellata
© 2006, Alistair. All rights reserved.
