Magnolia Centennial

Centennial Star Magnolia

Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’ (Centennial Star Magnolia) is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a vigorous, rounded to broadly pyramidal habit. It produces large, lightly fragrant white flowers with a soft pink blush and many narrow tepals in early spring before the leaves emerge, creating a full, starry look. This cultivar was introduced in 1972 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Arnold Arboretum and is valued for its especially large blooms and strong ornamental display.

Type: Shrub / small tree
Mature Size: 15–20' W × 15–25' H
USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Rounded to broadly pyramidal

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; moderate water, prefers even moisture and protection from hot, dry wind
Bloom Time / Length: Early spring; moderate (about 2–3 weeks)

Wildlife: Bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for specimen planting, foundation beds, and smaller landscapes. The flowers are larger and fuller than typical star magnolia blooms, often with 28–33 tepals, and the plant offers strong spring impact while staying smaller than many magnolia trees.

Care:
Plant in a protected site with fertile, well-drained soil. Early flowers can be damaged by late frosts and strong winds, especially in colder zones, so a sheltered location is best. Prune only if needed after flowering.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-25'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Corner Accent, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Pyramidal, Rounded

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No