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
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.