Magnolia stellata - (Siebold.&Zucc.)Maxim.
(Siebold.&Zucc.)Maxim.
Star Magnolia
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soniagonsalves
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impairedear
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Marco Zaccaria Di Fraia
Description
Magnolia stellata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Edible Uses
Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.
Distribution
E. Asia - Japan.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Japan (Honshu (c.))
Cultivation
Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture. Succeeds in acid or neutral soils in sun or part shade. Tolerates alkaline soils so long as they are deep and rich in humus. Prefers plenty of humus in the soil. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Dormant plants are hardy to about -15°c. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring. A very ornamental plant, the flowers start to be produced when the plant is only 2 years old and have a delicate sweet perfume, though they are easily damaged by frost or wind. A number of cultivars have been developed for their ornamental value. Plants are slow-growing. Very closely related to M. kobus and possibly no more than a geographical form of that species.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cold over the winter and should be sown in late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the spring but it can take 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. They can be planted out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall, though should be well mulched and given some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Layering in early spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, early summer in a frame.
