Re: Magnolia stellata
- Subject: Re: Magnolia stellata
- From: k*@aol.com
- Date: Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:52:14 -0400
Hi, Pamela. In its native Japan, Magnolia stellata is an understory plant, usually found growing along streamsides and in moist, boggy areas with deep, organic, slightly acidic soil. I live in the Central Valley of California, and have had a Magnolia stellata in my garden for over 20 years. I'm not sure what determines how profusely they flower (maybe chill-hours?--just a guess), but some years mine puts on a fine show and other years there are hardly any flowers. It is on the east side of the house, and so gets mainly morning sun, but the topmost leaves still get sun-burned every year. Not the most attractive look, but it hasn't seemed to affect the health of the plant any. Based on my experience, I'd say the most important cultural requirements in a mediterranean climate are filtered sun/part shade, deep mulch, and plenty of water. Saucer magnolias, Magnolia x soulangiana, are much less fussy, growing fine in our area in full ! sun and with moderate supplemental water, and put on a spectacular show every year.
Kurt Mize
Stockton, California
-----Original Message-----
From: Pamela Steele <pamela.steele@re-taste.com>
To: Medit-Plants <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
Sent: Sat, 29 Sep 2007 7:48 am
Subject: Magnolia stellata
Hello all!
A Magnolia stellata I planted 2 years ago has been a bit of a disappointment. The first spring we had a great show of flowers but then the leaves burnt (as we had it in full sun, I think). I moved then it last year to a sun/shade environment but there were very few flowers to speak of ..mostly brown looking and the leaves still look burnt and there has been no new growth this year to speak of. What shall I do now and up till next spring to help it along? Any ideas?
many thanks
Pamela