Sometimes known as Magnolia kobus var. stellata.
Blooms at 3 years. Bloom in the Northeast comes third-earliest among the magnolias, after only M. denudata and M. salicifolia. Flowers may be a litter issue.
Branch strength debated, as is clay tolerance (JerseyYards.org and Missouri BG vs. NCSU and the USDA).
Fragrance may vary by cultivar; according to Druse, most are lightly lemon-scented. 'Centennial' is (highly) fragrant, said to be the most vigorous, and a PHS Gold Medal Award winner. 'Centennial Blush' is also vigorous and upright and flowers fragrantly at almost every node. 'Chrysanthemiflora' is compact and dense, with more frost-resistant flowers than 'Waterlily'. 'Rosea' blooms earlier and should be sited so as to prolong dormancy to avoid frost. 'Royal Star' is dense and fragrant, blooming two weeks later and growing faster than the species but slower than 'Centennial'. 'Rubra' is more treelike in form. 'Waterlily' is (highly) fragrant, with larger flowers, faster growth, and finer foliage texture than other varieties.
Sources: UFL, Sunset, Stoecklein, Dirr, Missouri BG, UConn, USDA, Druse, Dirr/Warren.
Buy 'Royal Star' at PlantingTree.com (affiliate link; supports this website)
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