Magnolia stellata Chrysanthemumiflora

Magnolia stellata 'Chrysanthemumiflora' owes its name to the appearance of its flowers of up to forty white petals tinged with pale pink, reminiscent of certain chrysanthemums. Some specialists in the genus consider it to be the best and most desirable selection of Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'. In early spring, the bush is literally covered in very double, slightly fragrant flowers, before the foliage appears, even from a young age. Compact, generous and accommodating, it is ideal for small gardens, and it also thrives in a large pot on the terrace or balcony.

The Star Magnolia, in Latin Magnolia stellata, native to Japan, is the earliest and most floriferous species in the Magnolia genus. It is also one of the most adaptable to soil and climate. The bush shows slow growth and moderate development. 'Chrysanthemumiflora' (sometimes encountered under the name 'Chrysanthemiflora') is a seedling of Magnolia stellata 'Rubra'. This lovely plant was selected by K. Wada of Hakoneya Nurseries in Yokohama, Japan. It is characterized by its particularly double flowers and exceptional floriferousness.
The flowers of the Star Magnolia 'Chrysanthemumiflora', measuring 8 to 9.5 cm in diameter, composed of 25 to 40 fine petals, emerge from pretty fresh and vibrant pink buds. They are light pink and turn to white touched with pale pink on the reverse as they open. They bloom in abundance on the branches from March, before the leaves appear. The explosion of flowering is rapid and persists for long weeks despite the cool temperature. It also has a fairly light and subtle fragrance with hints of vanilla and lemon. Flowering occurs in young subjects from the age of 18 months. This beautiful shrub has a bushy then pyramidal habit over time, but very branched, it will reach 2.50 to 3 m in height, slightly less in width. The 4 to 10 cm long leaves develop once flowering is complete. They are arranged alternately on the branches, simple and entire, oval in shape, dark green with a paler underside. They turn yellow in winter before falling.

This Star Magnolia 'Chrysanthemumiflora', an exceptional ornamental tree, will work beautifully in a modest-sized garden where it will quickly become the star of spring. It is a classic of the romantic garden. It is most often used as a standalone specimen in the middle of a lawn, where its remarkable flowering is most impressive. When planting, remember that once the flowering is over, it will somewhat fade into anonymity. It can be associated with a mass of shrubs with staggered flowering periods (Camellias, Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons, Shrub Roses, Japanese Quince, etc.), for an English-style garden. Just make sure not to plant other plants within 1.50 m of the Magnolia trunk, as its roots cannot tolerate competition. It is also possible to create beautiful flowering hedges by alternating this Magnolia with other cultivars. Due to its small size and slow growth, the Star Magnolia is ideal in a container on a terrace, where you can enjoy its charm up close.