Centennial Blush Star Magnolia
First Editions® Centennial Blush Star Magnolia. Image credit: Bailey Nurseries/Tracy Walsh
Prolific Pink Flowers
A compact spring-flowering tree for small gardens.
First Editions® Centennial Blush Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial Blush’) is a cultivar of star magnolia, a slow-growing, deciduous magnolia tree with delicate star-shaped flowers. Centennial Blush was selected for its abundant soft pink flowers and compact oval shape, making it the perfect flowering tree for a small garden. It is grown as a multi-trunked shrub or small tree, with an upright, oval crown and open branching habit, in zones 4-9. Unlike many other species of magnolia that can take up to 10 years to start producing blooms, star magnolias begin to flower starting at the age of 2-3. In late winter or early spring, soft fuzzy buds give way to delicate, lightly fragrant pink flowers that remain on the plant for 2-3 weeks. Seed pods begin to form in summer and by autumn are bursting with orange fruit, eagerly eaten by birds, squirrels and other wildlife.
Centennial Blush star magnolia flowers are susceptible to wind and frost damage in the spring time. Plant this tree in a sheltered spot, out of the wind, with plenty of sun and moist, organically rich soil. These trees do not like periods of drought - keep the soil consistently moist (Are you in a drought? Check out the U.S. Drought Monitor). Star magnolias have little need for pruning, other than dead and damages branches, and are relatively unbothered by disease or pests. Star magnolia is not a favorite of deer, and they tend to leave it alone (sadly, no plant is fully deer proof!).
Plant a Centennial Blush star magnolia as a specimen tree in the front yard, or along a walkway where its spring beauty can be fully appreciated. Its unique form and delicate pink blooms make it an eye-catching focal point. Use it in a foundation planting or border, and underplant with low-growing perennials like creeping phlox. Combine star magnolia with other evergreens, shrubs, and small trees to create a mixed privacy border.
If you would like to grow a deciduous magnolia, but are worried about the potential loss of blooms due to frost damage, read about the Little Girl Magnolias - Magnolia ‘Ann’, ‘Betty’, ‘Jane’, ‘Judy’, ‘Pinkie’, ‘Randy’, ‘Ricki’, and ‘Susan’, all developed specifically to avoid frost damage.
Centennial Blush star magnolia flowers open early and can be damaged by freezing temperatures and wind - plant in a sheltered spot.
Image credit: Bailey Nurseries/Tracy Walsh
How to Plant and Grow Centennial Blush Star Magnolia
Location: Choose a sheltered location, away from drying winds, with organically rich, well-drained soil and full sunlight (6+ hours of direct sun per day). Amending the soil with organic matter (like compost or Leafgro®) will greatly improve drainage and fertility.
Planting: Like all deciduous magnolias, plant Centennial Blush star magnolia in the spring or fall when it is dormant, allowing the roots to establish before the onset of extreme hot or cold weather. Water the tree deeply after planting.
Watering: Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the tree to avoid wetting the foliage. To promote optimal growth and flowering, consistent moisture is best for a star magnolia. For more information on watering, see “How to Water a Tree'“.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil the temperature.
Fertilizing: Star magnolias are light feeders, preferring a balanced tree and shrub fertilizer applied once a year in early spring. Over-fertilization can cause disease and insect problems.
Pruning: Star magnolias require minimal pruning. If needed, shape lightly and prune out dead branches in the spring, immediately after flowering has finished.
Image credit: Bailey Nurseries/Tracy Walsh
Does Centennial Blush Star Magnolia have Invasive Roots?
All magnolia trees have shallow, complex, flexible root systems with a wider spread than most other trees. Many people automatically assume these shallow, spreading roots will cause damage to sidewalks, foundations and pipes; however, this is rarely the case! Because of their flexibility, magnolia roots actually have a low root damage potential. This low damage potential, combined with the small size of the Centennial Blush star magnolia, means roots are unlikely to cause direct damage to foundations, pipes, and sidewalks. As with all trees and shrubs, it is possible that over time small roots can invade cracks that are already present.
That said, trees should never be planted too close to a house or building. Keep in mind that the Centennial Blush star magnolia will eventually grow 10-15 feet wide and should be planted at least 5 feet away from the house.
What is Wrong with my Star Magnolia tree?
Star magnolias are a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to the landscape and suffer from few disease or pest problems. Here are a few issues to be on the lookout for:
Frost damage: Since they bloom in late winter or early spring, frost may cause damage to the buds or flowers of a star magnolia tree. After a freeze, you may notice mushy brown or blackened buds and flowers that fail to fully develop. Leaves may curl up and turn dark brown, black or purple. This does not cause long-term harm to the tree, but the flowering show may be over for the year.
Magnolia scale: Star magnolias can develop an infestation of small, oval-shaped insects called scale. These scale insects excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold, a charcoal-black colored fungus that coats everything in the vicinity. If you notice a scale infestation on your Centennial Blush star magnolia tree, contact an ISA certified arborist for treatment.
Chlorosis: Chlorosis occurs when a tree is lacking in key nutrients like iron or manganese. A star magnolia suffering from chlorosis will develop yellow leaves with green veins and have poor, stunted growth. Chlorosis is rarely fatal and can be treated by a trained arborist - visit TreesAreGood.org to find a certified professional near you.