WATERLILLY magnolia

🌸 General information / Description

• Scientific name: Magnolia stellata ‘Waterlily’.
• Origin: This is a cultivar of Magnolia stellata, introduced from Greenbrier Farms, Norfolk, USA, around 1971.
• Flower appearance: Fragrant flowers, pure white when fully open, but buds often open pink or slightly tinged with pink before turning white.
• Number of tepals: More numerous than in the “normal” Magnolia stellata, giving them a “fuller,” denser appearance, hence the name “Waterlily” (in reference to the shape of the flowers).

📏 Dimensions & growth

• Adult height : Approximately 10-18 feet depending on conditions.
• Width : Similar to height in good conditions, often rounded; can be 10-16 feet depending on location.
• Growth : Moderate growth plant. Does not grow very quickly.

☀ Growing conditions

• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade. For many cultivars, full sun promotes better flowering, but beware of very hot exposures or cold winds that can damage the buds.
• Soil type: Soil rich in organic matter, moist but well-drained, humus-rich. Avoid constantly soggy or very dry soils.

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral seems to be optimal.

• Protection: Flower buds are sensitive to late frosts—‘Waterlily’ blooms about one to two weeks later than the ‘standard’ Magnolia stellata, which helps reduce damage from spring frosts.

❄ Hardiness

• This cultivar is therefore hardier than some magnolias that cannot withstand harsh winters.

✅ Advantages

• Very decorative, fragrant, pure white flowers with a very good density of tepals.
• Flowers bloom a little later, so there is less risk of frost at flowering time than with some magnolias that bloom very early.
• Compact and often attractive even when young; can be used as an ornamental tree or large shrub.
• Suitable for medium-sized or small gardens, if well placed.

⚠ Disadvantages/things to watch out for

• Buds are sensitive to late frosts if exposed prematurely (southern exposure, winter heat followed by sudden cold).
• Poorly drained or suffocating soil (too compact, too much standing water) can be harmful, including to the roots.
• Not very tolerant of extreme drought or excessive heat, especially in summer if the soil does not retain some moisture.

• Requires a location with a good balance between light and protection (wind, harsh exposure).