About
Magnolia stellata, the star magnolia, is a slow-growing, medium-sized deciduous shrub of broadly rounded habit with narrowly obovate leaves. White flowers to 10 cm across with up to 18 narrowly oblong, spreading tepals open in early spring, before the leaves. One of the most popular of all magnolias for smaller gardens, reliable and very free-flowering.
About the genus
Magnolia are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs producing large, often fragrant, showy flowers � sometimes before the leaves emerge � in shades of white, pink, red or purple, sometimes followed by ornamental, cone-like fruiting clusters.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native toJapan
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. Will grow in alkaline soil that is moisture retentive. Further magnolia cultivation advice
PruningMagnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
PropagationPropagate by seed, semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, horse chestnut scale and capsid bug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot