Magnolia stellata 'Water Lily'

Common Name:
Magnolia stellata 'Water Lily'

Description:
Magnolia stellata 'Water Lily' is a refined, deciduous magnolia variety named for its abundant, waterlily-like blooms that open in early spring. The flowers are creamy white with a hint of pink in bud, featuring more petals than typical stellata types—often 30 or more—creating a full, ruffled appearance that closely resembles a blooming water lily. The flowers emerge before the foliage on bare branches, delivering a striking seasonal show. After flowering, the tree produces deep green, oblong leaves that turn soft yellow in autumn. Compact and slow-growing, ‘Water Lily’ is ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, or feature planting in mixed borders. It thrives in Melbourne’s climate in a sunny to partly shaded position with moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Form:
Tree – Small
Shrub – Large

Mature Size:
Height: 2.5–3.5 m
Width: 2–3 m

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Early Spring

Flower Colour:
White
Soft Pink (in bud)

Key Attributes:
Spectacular Flower Display
Scented Flowers (light fragrance)
Compact Form
Cold Hardy
Low Maintenance
Deciduous
Suitable for Feature Planting
Suitable for Pots
Perennial

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals

Companion Plants:
Cercis canadensis ‘Aurelian’
Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’
Camellia sasanqua
Liriope ‘Evergreen Giant’
Helleborus x hybridus