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Star-shaped white flowers of Star Magnolia against a blue spring skyTrees

Magnolia stellata

Star Magnolia

magnoliaearly bloomersmall treefront gardenfragrant

Star Magnolia is a compact small tree or large shrub that becomes smothered in star-shaped white to pale pink flowers in March and April, before the leaves emerge. The blooms have a soft, sweet fragrance. Its compact size makes this magnolia suitable even for smaller gardens and front yards.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun, Partial shade
Water
Medium
Height
200–300 cm
Spread
200–300 cm
Hardiness zone
4–8
Family
Magnoliaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
white, pink
Wildlife value
bees

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in sun or partial shade in slightly acidic, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil. Protect from late frosts that can damage the early flowers — a position out of the morning sun is ideal. Mulch annually with leaf mould. Avoid transplanting established specimens.

Pruning tips

Prune as little as possible — magnolias naturally form an attractive crown. Only remove dead wood and crossing branches immediately after flowering. Never prune in winter.

Good companions

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Acer palmatum

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The Japanese maple is a graceful tree or large shrub with deeply lobed, palmate leaves that turn spectacular shades of red, orange, or gold in autumn. Its elegant growth habit makes it a focal point in any garden. Hundreds of cultivars exist, from compact and rounded to broad and spreading.

Partial shadeMedium200–800 cm
Purple flower clusters of rhododendron in a shaded gardenShrubs

Rhododendron catawbiense

Rhododendron

The Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub that produces spectacular clusters of purple or pink flowers in May and June above glossy dark-green foliage. The shrub can grow quite large and makes an imposing presence in partial shade. Rhododendrons are iconic in woodland gardens and rural plantings.

Partial shadeMedium150–300 cm
White star-shaped bracts of Japanese Dogwood in summerShrubs

Cornus kousa

Japanese Dogwood

Japanese Dogwood is an elegant large shrub or small tree with striking white bracts that sit like stars on the branches in June and July. In autumn, raspberry-shaped red fruits appear and the foliage turns deep crimson. The horizontal branching pattern gives the tree year-round character.

Partial shadeMedium300–600 cm