Magnolia stellata
star magnolia
A slow-growing medium-sized deciduous shrub of broadly rounded habit. Leaves narrowly obovate. Flowers white, to 10cm in width, with up to 18 narrowly oblong, spreading white tepals, in early spring
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Magnolia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with large, showy, often fragrant flowers, often opening before the leaves, and sometimes followed by colourful cone-like fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, horse chestnut scale and capsid bug
Diseases
May be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.