How to Grow and Care for Star magnolia

Star magnolia, also known as Royal star magnolia

Star magnolia typically requires minimal maintenance, making it an easy-care plant ideal for gardens. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun to partial shade. A special care point for star magnolia is to provide protection from late winter frosts to prevent flower bud damage. Pruning should be done minimally, immediately after flowering, to maintain its natural form.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Star magnolia

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5.5-6.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	3-8

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Varieties of Star magnolia

Star magnolia 'Royal Star'

Star magnolia 'Royal Star' is distinct for having larger, showier flowers than standard Magnolia stellata plants. Its name refers to these flowers' starburst forms and showier appearance when compared to other cultivars. This tree blooms late in winter through early spring and is relatively compact.

Star magnolia 'Centennial'

Star magnolia 'Centennial' is distinct for its medium-sized, pure white flowers, which are sometimes tinged with pale pink. A cultivar of Magnolia stellata, it was named to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum. Gardeners love this small tree for its general hardiness and its spectacular, star-shaped blossoms.

Star magnolia 'Jane Platt'

Star magnolia 'Jane Platt' is considered to be among the best pink-flowering magnolias. Bred from the magnolia tree, it is originally from Japan. Named after a respected horticulturist from Portland, Oregon, who first discovered it in her garden, it has beautiful scented pink flowers and ribbony petals and is popular for its early spring blooming.

Magnolias 'George Henry Kern'

Magnolias 'George Henry Kern' was developed in 1935 in Cincinnati, USA. This deciduous tree bears a rich blossom of large pink flowers that are much brighter than the white or pale-pink flowers of the parent plant. This shrub blooms early, producing flowers at the start of spring.

Star magnolia 'Waterlily'

Star magnolia 'Waterlily' produces gorgeous white flowers that are slightly larger than those of the parent plant (Star magnolia) and with more numerous tepals. The flowers look like waterlilies, giving the cultivar its name. Star magnolia 'Waterlily' is also noted for its slow growth rate, which makes the cultivar suitable for small gardens with limited space.

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More General Info About Star magnolia

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Star magnolia is a deciduous shrub or small tree, which can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6 m) and spans 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 m) wide. Characterized by its dazzling, large, star-shaped white flowers, it displays 12-18 elongated tepals with a striking presence in late winter to early spring, even before the leaves unfold. Following the floral spectacle, it develops distinctive cone-like fruits laden with bright orange seeds. The emerging leaves initially present a bronze hue, which transitions to a medium to dark green over summer and then to yellow in fall.