Description
Magnolia stellata, also known as the star magnolia, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to Japan. It is known for its large, showy flowers that bloom in the spring before the leaves appear. The flowers are white or pink and have a star-like shape, giving the plant its common name. The leaves are a dark green and glossy, and the tree can grow to be up to 20 feet tall. The tree prefers well-drained, moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It is propagated by seed or by layering. It is generally considered hardy and resistant to pests and diseases. The Magnolia stellata is a popular ornamental tree, and it is often used in gardens, parks and as a street tree.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Star magnolia
- Hardiness:Fully hardy
- How big will I get? Magnolia stellata can grow to a height of 3m and a spread of 4m.
- Did You Know That:Magnolia stellata can live for a long time, some specimens in Japan are over 100 years old?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Magnolia stellata is a versatile plant and can cope with wet or drier soils, but prefers there to be decent drainage. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Magnolia stellata prefers a sheltered position and can cope with either full sun or partial shade.
Maintenance
Magnolia stellata is fairly low maintenance and doesn’t require any pruning.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Magnolia stellata can have problems with scale insects and capsid bug, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as leaf spot and honey fungus. It is not considered to be toxic.