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Star MagnoliaMagnolia stellata
With Showy 3-4" fragrant white flowers, this hardy magnolia can easily be used as a single specimen or a foundation planting. Dark green leaves with striking, gray bark. Adapts to slightly acidic, rich soils. Full sun produces best flowers. (zones 4-9)
Hardiness Zones
The star magnolia can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–9. View Map
Tree Type
Mature Size
The star magnolia grows to a height of 15–20' and a spread of 10–15' at maturity.
Growth Rate
This shrub grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.
Sun Preference
Full sun and partial shade are best for this shrub, meaning it prefers a minimum of 4 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
Soil Preference
The star magnolia grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It can withstand some flooding and has moderate drought tolerance.
Attributes
This shrub:
- Produces showy, fragrant white flowers that are 3–4" in diameter.
- Blooms in the spring, anywhere from late February to April depending on location.
- Flowers best in full sun.
- Can be trained to grow as either a shrub or small tree.
- Features simple dark green leaves that are obovate or narrow elliptic to oblong-obovate and 2–4" long.
- Develops smooth, striking gray bark.
- Grows in an oval, pyramidal shape.
- Is best used as a single specimen or foundation planting.
History/Lore
This magnolia originated in Nymans Gardens in Sussex, UK.