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Gerald L. Klingaman
Magnoliaceae
Magnolia stellata
Star Magnolia
There are lots of reasons why this hardy little magnolia is such a popular landscape shrub. Its starry early spring blooms are some of the first to appear and are resilient to frost. And, its neat rounded habit makes it amenable to smaller spaces.
Star magnolia is a deciduous large shrub to small tree that is robust and pretty. The Japanese native is typically multistemmed but can be pruned and manicured to have a central leader and a more tree-like appearance. In early spring, before its leaves emerge, it bears many large fragrant flowers of creamy white with long linear petals. Several pink-flowered cultivars are also in commerce to include ‘King Rose’ and ‘Dawn’, which has a single pink stripe down each white flower petal.
Grow star magnolia in full to partial sun and fertile soil that is clay-rich and evenly moist. Pruning should be done after it flowering. This is an excellent large specimen shrub for an open lawn or large border. It will add pleasing color and interest to the spring landscape and looks even nicer with blankets of early spring bulbs planted beneath its branches.
9 - 5
4 - 9
2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun
15'-20' / 4.6m - 6.1m
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
Early Spring
Japan
Acidic, Neutral
Average
Clay, Loam
Slow
Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
White, Pink, Ivory
Red
Green, Dark Green
Dark Green
Light Yellow, Brown
Gray
Yes
No
Single
Medium
Matte
Smooth
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border
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