Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12', 12-25'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

High

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Screen, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Star magnolia is a deciduous tree with a spreading, rounded crown. Typically grows 15 to 20 feet tall with a similar spread. Often grown as a dense, multi-stemmed shrub. Fragrant, 12-18 petaled, white flowers which appear in early spring before the foliage emerges. Narrow-dark green leaves turn a brownish yellow in fall. Red seeds form in greenish pods which split open in fall. Common name is in reference to the star-like shape of the flowers.

Grow in well-drained, loamy soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers rich, organic soils. Best in a location sheltered from high winds, except avoid protected southern exposures where the buds may be induced to open too early. Not a low-water plant, but with proper siting it will grow with weekly summer watering.