The star magnolia is a small, compact ornamental tree grown for its early spring flowers. Opening in early spring before the leaves unfurl, the flowers are clusters of white petals sometimes touched with pink. Because they bloom so early, they are vulnerable to damage by late spring frosts in the Midwest. Star magnolia is best planted in a sheltered location such as near a patio, an entryway, or in a shrub border.
This plant has some cultivated varieties. Go to list of cultivars.
Botanical name:
All common names:
Family (English):
Family (Botanic):
Planting Site:
- Residential and parks,
- Under utility lines
Tree or Plant Type:
- Shrub,
- Tree
Foliage:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Landscape Uses:
- Massing,
- Mixed border,
- Patio/sidewalk,
- Specimen,
- Utility
Size Range:
- Small tree (15-25 feet),
- Compact tree (10-15 feet),
- Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
Mature Height:
Mature Width:
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 4,
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7,
- Zone 8,
- Zone 9
Soil Preference:
- Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances:
- Dry sites,
- Alkaline soil
Acid Soils:
- Tolerant
Alkaline Soils:
- Tolerant
Salt Spray:
- Moderately Tolerant
Soil Salt:
- Intolerant
Drought Conditions:
- Tolerant
Poor Drainage:
- Tolerant
Planting Considerations:
- Weak wood and branch structure
Ornamental Interest:
- Spring blossoms,
- Fragrant flowers,
- Showy fruit,
- Showy flowers,
- Attractive bark
Seasons of Interest:
- early spring
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Fragrant,
- Pink,
- White
Shape or Form:
- Multi-stemmed,
- Round
Growth Rate:
- Slow
Transplants Well:
- Yes
Wildlife:
- Insect pollinators
More Information:
Tree & Plant Care
Grows best in full sun, well-drained, organic rich moist soil.
Shallow roots benefit with a layer of mulch to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture.
Avoid extremely windy sites.
Minimal pruning required.
Disease, pests, and problems
Chlorosis in high pH soils, magnolia scale, early frost damage, powdery mildew.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to Japan.
Bark color and texture
Young plants have a smooth, shiny chestnut brown bark turning a silvery gray with age.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Alternate, 2 to 4 inch long, elliptic leaves.
Star magnolias leaves are dense and smaller than other magnolias.
New leaves emerge with a bronze cast turning to a medium green and yellow-brown fall color.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Very showy, fragrant white flower with a pink tinge.
Solitary, each flower has 12 to 18 petals (tepals) and is 3 to 4 inches across.
Flowers before leaves emerge.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Mature 2 inch fruit is a knobby cluster (aggregate) that opens to reveal reddish-orange seeds.
Cultivars and their differences
Centennial star magnolia (Magnolia stellata 'Centennial'): Small-size, upright, pyramidal tree; has numerous, large white flowers with pink tinge.
Rosea star magnolia (Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'): This cultivar has an oval to round shape with a dense, bushy habit. Pink buds open to fragrant, light pink, star-like flowers. This plant flowers in late April, a little later than the species.
Royal Star star magnolia (Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'): oval to round shape; flowers later than species; star-shaped fragrant, white flowers.