Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’ (Star Magnolia)

A charming, compact form of the Star Magnolia, award-winning Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’ is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree of great popularity. Opening from pale pink buds, masses of exceptionally large, pure white flowers, 6 in. across (15 cm), with a slight touch of pink, appear in early spring. Fragrant, each blossom counts up to 25-30 tepals! The overall effect of these many tepals is that of a starburst (hence the common name ‘Star Magnolia’). The flowers are borne on leafless branches before the new elliptic, medium-green leaves begin to unfurl. More robust and faster growing than most, ‘Royal Star’ blooms up to 10 days earlier. It is very hardy. However, its blooms, like those of most early blooming Magnolias, are susceptible to late frosts.

• Grows with a rounded habit up to 10-20 ft. tall (3-6 m) and 8-15 ft. wide (2-5 m)
• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline soils are also suitable for growth if the soil is moisture retentive. Magnolias are adaptable to clay, loam or sandy soils, but most grow poorly in wet or poorly drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds, as cold winds may damage buds and flowers. Late frosts may damage flower buds too.
• May be attacked by scale insects, coral spot, honey fungus and phytophthora root rot.
• Spectacular as a specimen plant for dramatic early spring blooms. Great flowering tree for city gardens or cottage gardens.
• Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
• Deciduous Magnolias are best planted when dormant, in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring. For the first 6 to 12 months after planting, both types will benefit from mulch and regular irrigation during warm or dry weather.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and fall