Star Magnolia

(Magnolia stellata)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 15 to 20 feet
Spread: 10 to 15 feet
Shape: Bushy

Dark green summer foliage turns yellow-bronze in fall. Large, white flowers appear before foliage in spring.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 5 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet or moist
Soil Type: Sandy or loam
pH Range: 3.5 to 7.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Transplant in the spring in a location protected from wind.
Avoid southern exposures to reduce change of early flowers being damaged by spring frosts.
Buy plants with balled and burlapped roots or container-grown plants.
Plant in fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

Care:

Easy to maintain.
If required, prune after spring flowering.
Mulch to conserve soil moisture.

Problems:

Generally pest free.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of MAGNOLIA STELLATA:
`Rosea' has pink flowers.
`Centennial' has petals which have a pink tinge on the outside.
`Pink Star' has pink flowers that fade to white.

Comments:

The Star Magnolia is a dense, mounded, large shrub or small tree.
Provides a striking floral show in early spring.
Best used alone or in small groups.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-611 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Flowering Trees

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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