We are trying to decide about planting a magnolia stellata to give focus to an area of the garden north of a 6 foot cedar hedge that currrently includes the following plants: Charles de Mills rose (doesn't suit the area and we may try to move it) yellow crocosmia aster polar light baptisia australis buddleia (at the back) hellenium (at the back) oenothera missourensis various irises various coreopsis japanese anemone (at the back) Are there any varieties of magnolia stellata (ideally pink blossomed) that are smaller and/or slower growing than others that might suit that area? We want to avoid something too big that will shade out the area too much.
Maybe M. stellata rosea. About 9' high by 6' wide here at 14 years old, could prune easily. Early bloom, before M. denudata. Don't think it's fragrant.
Magnolia stellata 'Jane Platte' is pretty slow growing. One of the deepest pink stellatas to my eyes.
I like 'Jane Platt' too, not just for color, but for the large number of tepals. Not sure how big these will ultimately get. Here's a photo:
'Jane Platt' has been pale here also, as in above photo. Growth has been erect. Best bet for a squat plant with strong coloring might be one acquired as 'Rubra'.
Here, M. stellata rosea seems to hold it's pink colour best with the cooler temps, but also flowers up more slowly. If the days are warmer, it becomes white sooner.
Thanks very much, Chimera, Ron B, Silver Creek, and Gordo for your suggestions and photos. We'll consider all your suggestions as we look for plants this spring.
Old name like 'Rosea' (and perhaps 'Rubra') will by now be covering several clones. Another factor to be aware of is that descriptions of these do not line up very well with what one encounters under these names. (Pink cultivars of locusts (Robinia) have the same problem).
