With its up to 15 cm large, star-shaped and snow-white flowers, it shines like a diamond. After flowering, it is the lush green leaves that make it a pretty ornamental tree. So why not plant the star magnolia as a standard tree in the garden?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a star magnolia as a standard tree?
The star magnolia as a standard tree offers an unusual eye-catcher, provides shade, is clearly visible in full bloom and offers space for seating and nesting places for birds. Disadvantages include difficult care, a lot of space required and increased risk of accidents when cutting.
A rarity that you can grow yourself or buy
Anyone who buys a star magnolia on a standard tree can consider themselves lucky. It is a rarity that is traded expensively on the market. When purchasing, the trunk circumference is usually between 10 and 12 cm and the crown starts at a height of 180 cm.
Don't worry. You can grow the star magnolia on a standard tree yourself. However, this requires knowledge of refining and cutting such trees. To grow such a plant, a strong root base (grafting base) is required.
Advantages of a star magnolia on a standard tree
A star magnolia on a standard tree is the ideal choice for bright courtyards, parks, large properties, open spaces, public facilities and spacious gardens. This plant looks great in its solitary position! It is also well suited as a standard tree for avenues.
The star magnolia on a standard tree has the following advantages, among others:
- unusual eye-catcher
- provides shade in summer
- flower-studded crown can be seen from a distance
- Space for seating underneath
- good nesting place for birds
Disadvantages of a star magnolia on a standard tree
But there are some disadvantages that arise. Imagine your star magnolia not blooming. Then it becomes difficult to examine your crown for diseases, for example.
Furthermore, such a deciduous tree ideally needs 80 square meters of space to grow (strong roots) and a planting distance of 8 m from other plants. Cutting is also made more difficult and the crown can only be thinned out using a ladder. An increased risk of accidents should not be trivialized.
Tips & Tricks
Since the star magnolia usually does not require any special care, caring for a standard tree is not a problem. The use of a ladder and cutting tools will rarely be necessary.