Star magnolia - Magnolia stellata (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Star magnolia

Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a small, slow-growing shrub native to Japan. Star magnolia is commonly cultivated in gardens and prefers deep soils with an acidic pH. Compared to other magnolias, star magnolia has much narrower petals and thus resembles twinkling stars.

Scientific classification

Species

Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

Magnolias, nutmegs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Early spring, Mid spring

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

4.5 m to 6 m

Plant Height

3 m to 4.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Red, Brown, Copper, Burgundy, Orange

Fruit Color

White, Pink

Flower Color

Green, White

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Images of Star magnolia

Distribution of Star magnolia

Distribution Map

Star magnolia is native to Japan, particularly south central Honshu. You can find this plant growing naturally in the forests within the mountains northeast of Nagoya.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods in mountains

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a popular standout ornamental shrub that graces gardens with extremely showy white flowers in early spring. The small size of this shrub makes it a great candidate for smaller gardens, but it also suits a variety of other garden styles as well. Star magnolia also looks great when grown as a specimen in containers or on patios. Set off the plant's white flowers with bright geraniums or sages.

Symbolism

Dignity, longevity, perseverance, love of nature

Interesting Facts

Star magnolia is prized for its hardiness and its beautiful blooms that appear in the late winter or early spring. Its white, star-shaped flowers are produced on bare branches, emerging before the leaves even appear.

Name Story

Star magnolia: Magnolia is a small, compact ornamental tree and it usually blooms in early spring. Before the leaves unfold, the flowers appear in clusters of white and sometimes pink petals. As the flowers are star-shaped, they are called star magnolia.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Star magnolia, including the following common varieties :

Star magnolia 'Jane Platt'Star magnolia 'Centennial'Star magnolia 'Royal Star'Star magnolia 'George Henry Kern'Star magnolia 'Gold Star'Star magnolia 'Waterlily'

Quickly Identify Star magnolia

Large star-shaped white flowers, 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) wide, bloom before leaves appear.

Distinctive cone-like fruits with vivid orange seeds, 2-2.5 inches (5-6.35 cm) long.

Alternate, simple leaves, bronze when young, turning yellow in fall, with reticulate vein pattern.

Smooth, grayish-brown stem, 0.3-0.6 inches (0.8-1.5 cm) diameter, with symmetrical branching.

Straight trunk with smooth, gray mottled bark, thin texture, recognizable by unique stipule scar.

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Care Guide for Star magnolia

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from moderate climates, star magnolia prefers balanced soil moisture and thrives with watering every 1-2 weeks. It requires less water in dormancy during winter. Grown outdoors, star magnolia's flowering benefits from adequate hydration for vibrant spring blooms.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, star magnolia should be fertilized with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring at half strength. Cease fertilization in summer to prepare for dormancy. Thoroughly water after feeding and always wear gloves while following instructions.

Pruning: Star magnolia thrives with proper pruning, ideally in late spring after blooming. Remove dead wood and thin branches for air circulation. Light pruning promotes vigor and flowering while avoiding stress. Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease and facilitate healing.

Propagation: Star magnolia is a deciduous shrub from Japan, known for its spring star-shaped flowers. For propagation, use healthy softwood cuttings and apply rooting hormone. Maintain moisture and a warm, diffused light environment for rooting. Handle rooted cuttings delicately during transplanting to ensure acclimatization.

Repotting: Repot star magnolia every 2-3 years in early spring in a pot only slightly larger than before, ensuring good drainage. Keep soil consistently moist and avoid direct sunlight until star magnolia recovers, promoting a strong root system while minimizing shock.

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Images of Star magnolia

Distribution of Star magnolia

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Star magnolia

Care Guide for Star magnolia

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