Magnolia Bush Magnolia stellata
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- mag-NO-lee-ah stell-AY-tuh
- Description
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Magnolia stellata, commonly called star magnolia, is a small deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows with a rounded crown and is often grown as a large pyramidal multi-stemmed shrub. It grows up to 241⁄2'. It is noted for its compact size and late winter (February) to early spring (March) bloom of star-shaped white flowers. Since blooms open early, they are subject to damage. It is the earliest of the deciduous magnolias to flower. It is frost sensitive, so plant it in protected site as it can be severely damaged by frost. It does tolerate heat. Winter, pubescent floral buds appear to be in need of a haircut and trim.
Best grown in full sun, in moist, organically rich, acidic to neutral, well-drained loams, although will tolerate clay soil. It tolerates partial shade but flowers best in full sun. Appreciates consistent and even moisture in summer, and is intolerant of soil extremes (dry or wet), most urban pollutants, and high winds. Avoid southern exposures where the buds may be induced to open too early and subsequently are damaged by frost. This plant is heat tolerant. Mulch helps retain soil moisture. Prune only if needed immediately after flowering. If the plant needs rejuvenation, prune out 1-2 older stems per year. It works well as a single specimen tree, planted in borders, small groupings, or as an accent plant.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Will become chlorotic in alkaline soils. It is relatively pest free.
Quick ID Hints:
- Gigantic white blooms with 12-18 strap-like tepals
- Flowers appear before leaves in late winter
- Winter floral buds appear and are in need of a haircut and trim
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Mountain Ridge Top Garden - South Lawn and Border
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Rosea'
- Royal Star
- Rubra
- 'Rosea'
- 'Rosea', Royal Star, Rubra
- Tags:
















- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Rosea'
- Royal Star
- Rubra
- 'Rosea'
- 'Rosea', Royal Star, Rubra
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Magnolia
- Species:
- stellata
- Family:
- Magnoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Japan
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Edible fruit
- Fragrance
- Wildlife Food Source
- Dimensions:
- Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 24 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Multi-stemmed
- Oval
- Pyramidal
- Rounded
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- 12-24 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8b, 8a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Aggregate
- Follicle
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- Aggreagate of folicles that turn red in the fall, are twisted, and are 2" long.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Winter
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Showy, fragrant star-shaped flowers 2"-4" wide with 12-18 narrow white tepals appear late winter to spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Obovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are alternate, simple, entire margin, narrow-oblong to obovate, 2"-4" long, acute base, obtuse apex. They are dark green and glabrous above, and the underside of the leaf is a lighter green, hairy, and reticulate. The fall color is yellow.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- Light gray and smooth.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Buds:
- Hairy
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Terminal flower buds are large, hairy, and appear 1 year before flowers. Twigs are slender and brown.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Recreational Play Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Flowering Tree
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Heat
- Wet Soil