Overview
Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' is a bushy, spreading branched, columnar upright shrub in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 5.0 m tall. Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and wall side borders. It is native to Japan.
About
Magnolia stellata, the star magnolia, is a slow-growing deciduous shrub or small tree native to Japan. It bears large, showy white or pink flowers in early spring, before its leaves open.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Magnolia stellata
About the genus
Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 to 340 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the family Magnoliaceae. The natural range of Magnolia species is disjunct, with a main center in east, south and southeast Asia and a secondary center in South America, Central America, the West Indies, and some species in eastern North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Magnolia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Magnolia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Magnolia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 5.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wall side borders
- Native to
- Japan
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; plant in full sun to partial shade; protect from strong winds; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
- Pruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood; avoid heavy pruning as it flowers on old wood.
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Horse chestnut scale, Capsid bug
- Disease resistance
- Coral spot, Phytophthora, Grey moulds, Honey fungus, Virus, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; plant in full sun to partial shade; protect from strong winds; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'?
Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' need?
Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'?
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood; avoid heavy pruning as it flowers on old wood.
How big does Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' grow?
Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' reaches a height of 5.0 m.
Is Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' hardy in the UK?
Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)
- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'Campbell's Magnolia
- Magnolia macrophylla 'Sara Gladney'Bigleaf Magnolia
