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Magnolia stellata 'Water Lily'

star magnolia 'Water Lily'

Slow-growing deciduous shrub, to around 3m high, with an upright to pyramidal habit and narrowly oval-shaped green leaves. Large, fragrant white flowers with up to 32 narrow petals are produced before the leaves in spring; this cultivar flowers around a week later than typical of the species

Synonyms
Magnolia 'Water Lily'

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Magnolia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with large, showy, often fragrant flowers, often opening before the leaves, and sometimes followed by colourful cone-like fruit

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil, though this cultivar will also tolerate chalk as long as it is not too dry. Position in full sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. See magnolia cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, horse chestnut scale and capsid bug

Diseases

May be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot

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